Hop-ups are over-rated for the most part. I am not familiar with the Hyper 7, but in general, all the aluminum and junk like that is not necessary. I run a bone-stock 8ight. And the other guys I race with run box-stock Kyoshos, Jammin's, X-Rays and Mugens. These things are competitive right outta the box. I would drive it as is for now. Check out what other guys are running at the track. If you see some other Hyper 7s, pick the guy's brain a bit about what he's done to it (if anything other than setup).

If you're getting your butt kicked, it isn't necessarily the car that's at fault either. It takes practice, not only driving but wrenching as well. You can have the baddest ride out there, but if you can't drive or set your car up for the track, it isn't gonna matter how much money you spent on the car.