ORIGINAL: broggyr
Jon:
The OEM motor came with a little black electronic component on it that is soldered between the + and - terminals of the motor - this is the diode. You must attach it to the new motor, and be sure the right end is pointing to the right terminal. Just make a note of how it is attached to your current motor (which terminal the little silver ring is pointed to) and do the same on the new motor.
One thing I have found very helpful is to take digital photos of your bird the minutes you pull it out of the box. Take the canopy off and get all sides and closeups, especially the rotor head assembly. Thay way when you crash and find little pieces scattered around your basement you'll have a good reference of how they go back together. This saved me alot of aggravation when I removed and unsoldered my stock motor for replacement and wasn't sure how the diode was to be installed on the new motor.
Cardo - yes, I would be interested in a metal rotor core if it can be kept below the $20.