No problem, Thats what the forums are for

If you got the .12SS for $35 new... you my friend got a KILLER deal on that engine.
And for Starter boxes. you are right in a way because pull starts can break ( which is a really big pain in the ass to rebuild )and you have to deal with the one way bearing going bad, screws coming out etc...

As for which fuel... Ive used HPI power fuel, Traxxas 20%, Trinity monster 20 & 30%, Both types of Blue thunder 20%, Losi Nitrotane 20% and O'Donnel 20%

I still have yet to try Byrons 20% ( LHS doesnt carry it ) But there are some racers who use it and love it

IMHO (in my honest opinion) The best two fuels are O'donnel Race fuel and Byron Race fuel
I've used O'Donnel 20% and Im not going back to anything else.

So what percentage. I've used 30% and it really does give more power but some say that it takes a little of the engines life away. (Engine life may go from 10+ gallons to 9) But really, an engines life comes down to how well you maintain the engine so using 30% should be fine but if your new to tuning an engine you might want to stick with 20% till you get use to tuning. 30% also co$t more then 20%
If this is still kind of you FIRST nitro then im going to recommend using HPI's Power fuel. It contains more oil (14%) and you will be less likely to damage you engine during break-in

Im gonna say (some others may disagree) for any small block engine .12-.18 Use a Good 20% and for any BigBlock engines (.21+) use 30%. Most Cars/trucks that use a BIG BLOCK engine are going to need a little extra "umpth" since they are bigger, heavier and require more power to get them moving.