If you want upgrades, just bash hard enough to break stuff. then it's twice the fun

if you're looking for cheap lipos check this out. not exactly 8ah but 5ah is darn good. I've got some of these in the mail right now.
[link=http://hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9172]http://hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9172[/link]

I use this charger (for lipos when they come)
[link=http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/153130/n/Kyosho-Route-246-C-03-LiPo-Li-ion-NiMH-NiCd-DC-Battery-Charger-6S-5A-50W]http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/products_id/153130/n/Kyosho-Route-246-C-03-LiPo-Li-ion-NiMH-NiCd-DC-Battery-Charger-6S-5A-50W[/link]
it will do anything i need except charge over 5 amps (unnecessary)

you will need a power supply however.