what is one of the best nitro MT's on the market?? I'm think of getting the HPI Savage 4.6 that a good choice for bashing and racing?

Savage is good for bashing but need to be upgraded a lot to do good on a track . But it also depends who you listen to on this forum . Seems to be" what I have is best " . Savage is tough but not much of a racer unless you change a lot .

what would you consider a very good kit that is great at bashing and also can compete well with minimual cost to upgrade to racing mode?

Even though I`m not a Traxxas fan the Revo does good . The XTM Mammoth ST is getting popular[I`m thinking of buying one soon] , LST2 for mts that are good bashers and racers .

what the general cost for the lst2 minus radio? and does it come in kit form?

There isn`t too many mt that come in a kit , most now days are RTR . Unless you guy used that is what you get .

whats the cost of the lst2 w/o radio? and what is the top speed out of the box?

They don`t sell it without a radio . I don`t have the LST 2 , I only have the first one . Mine will go about 40 mph . I would assume the LST2 would be a little faster .

who is the maker of that? team losi?

LOL , yes .
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=LOSB0015

That OFNA Mutilator 32 looks sweet, although its more of a truggy

For a racing truck and basher the Revo is a good choice but so is the LST2. If you want more of a basher go with the Savage. It is possible to race, I'm not sure what it takes. For more info on the Savage I would talk to Nitro Rat. He races Savages and he probally know a some more about them race wise.. Just tell him Backyard Racer sent you. Hope This Helps.
~Kyle~