RE: Newbie With A Rustler - Mod Suggestions?
If you have the new rusty with the Blue XL5 ESC then you basically have a VXL model without the Brushless motor or bearings.
First thing to do is swap the bushing in the carriers for bearings. You'll need 8 of size 5x11.
I recommend only replacing items that break when they break. You'll be surprised how much of a beating the stock stuff will take. When something does break replace it with RPM. Aluminum is really a Bling thing and not needed.
As for the brushless setup. You can't go wrong with a VXL system. After all it is made by Traxxas for these trucks. A better combo would be a Mamba ESC with the VXL motor. I don't recommend the mamba motors. Just personal preference but I don't like them.
If you're on a budget then the EZrun 13.5 (3300KV) system is very good for right around $100.
Other than that just drive it. When it's time Invest in some Lipo batteries, a balancer, charger and low voltage alarm.