I completely agree with Randy. The SH18 is a better engine than the VX. And the header and aluminum pipe are sure to provide better performance. I would also suggest a higher flow air filter like a Motor Saver - they also give a notable performance improvement. The stock shocks will not last very long. Some people like the aluminum upgrades. I have the TMaxx shocks and agree again with Randy that they are a good upgrade, specifically if you plan to jump much and drive rough. As far as servos, the stock servos are OK, but do not tend to last long. You can wait until they start to jitter, or go ahead and replace them now. But eventually, you will end up with new servos. For throttle, you do not need anything very fancy. For steering, a high torque servo with metal gears is really worth the extra money. I use Futabas since my LHS stocks them and have a 3004 for throttle and 3010 for steering on my Viper. Those are pretty basic servos, but they are more reliable than the stock servos, and the costs are reasonable. The 3010 is high torque, but not metal gears. I have a Futaba 3305 with metal gears on another vehicle, and prefer that and plan to use it on all my vehicles in the future. The Futabas do not fit the stock servo horns, but you can adapt the ones that come with the Futabas. I do not have them, but you should also consider HiTec servos. I think it is the HiTec 645MG that is the equivalent of the Futaba 3305. I think the HiTecs may fit the stock servo horns.

So... header, aluminum pipe, an SH if you want to drop the cash (use the ERP), shocks, and new servos. That will take care of some of the more obvious issues with the stock Volcano. There's lots more you can do, but many of the aluminum "upgrades" are just bling that at best does nothing for performance and at worst will make you break other more expensive parts. Stick with plastic, minimize your repair costs as you leanr, and you will eventually stop breaking stuff once you have the driving down.

Goo luck, and welcome to the family.