I got my son his first nitro and went with the Tsunami because I have read alot of good things about it and did not want to spend a ton of cash. I have also read about guys that have had overheating problems with the VX.18 motor. I too was having problems. I could not get it below 280 for nothing. Rich as rich could be. Well today I got my 13/18 clutch bell and decided Im gonna take the motor apart just to see the quality. Well to my surprise it did NOT have a head gasket. I know from past experience what not having a head gasket would do. Although the head did seal quite well the compression was very strong and too much. To everyone that has the vx motor and is having the same problem with heat, remove teh head and see if there is a gasket.