Is there a good racing engine that doesn't need a starter box? The Monsoon needs to be modified to be started with a starter box.

Why? What is wrong with the Golden Lion (SH) P3 that came with your RC?

I don't think there are many (or any at all) racing oriented engines that don't use starter boxes. If there are I don't think they are very popular.

To my knowledge, there are no race grade engines with race grade timing profiles taht are pull start or roto start. All the pull and roto start engins I have come across have timing profiles that are a bit more tame.

The only exception I have seen is STS's D28M & D30M engines, but really just the crank induction timing is increased to even beyond a racing profile. The other ports are still higher than what RTR engiens have, but not radical race grade. Unfortunately though, STS has gone doen the toilet in quality. When the orders started coming in because tehre was once a craze by the nitro MT owners to have them, they started cutting more corners. Instead of addressing and eliminating the problems they currently ahd (carbs for instance), to meed the higher demand, they dropped quality controlls in other aspects.

Some other engines I just thought of taht can probably provide more power over the SH P3 are a Picco .28 pullstart or anotehr SH, one soled by LRP, the LRP z28 spec 3.

Now, I am not sure what GoldenLion has done in their current SH .28 P3, but I would not be surprised that they include all the design goodies that SH has for LRP' Z.28 engines. So, going with the LEP might only be giving you the very same performace you already have with you SH P3.

I love my STS engines! Unfortunately I cannot use a starter box on my race Savage. [X(] but on my race buggies I use a stater box. You all so gain a little by not having the friction of a one way bearing that you have with a roto or pull starter.

I bought the kit so I don't have an engine. Aren't there modded Piccos for racing?

I have converted JPX .21's to pullstart.... but they are rather pricey

the mach427 can be roto or pullstart,they are reasonably quick and fair on fuel i believe. you can get them for peanuts on ebay as well.