You don't say what size your colorful ESC is (or was) but to give a little margin of safety you may consider at least a 20amp ESC. You may get by with a 10amp but with the gear box it may push the limit. Another thing, you may want to put a fuse in the motor lead, one like the little plug-in for a car will work good and size it to the ESC capacity. As far as the motor is concerned, just swap the leads on the motor (not the battery). Speed 400's (Graupner) have neutral timing so it makes no difference which way they turn. Motor breakin - some say to hook up the motor to a couple 'c' or 'd' batteries and do the breakin in a glass of water, to float the brush residue away and stop the arcing, running the motor until the batteries die. Keep changing the water until it remains clear. Problem is you need to dry the motor and relube the bearings with a good oil, like clock oil that won't solidify. The other method is esentially the same with 'c' or 'd' batteries and run it until the batteries die without the water. This keeps the motor from over reving and lets it run cool. The point is to let the brushs wear to the communtator before you decide to let'er rip. You can do a search on the forum about "speed 400 motor breakin" and get lots of info there. Electrics are full of surprises and mysteries. Good Luck!!