[RC-Monster Mike]

Will,
Welcome to the forum! I will try to address some of your questions:
If you want to keep the budget down, the first thing to upgrade is the batteries. Get yourself a few good quality gp3300 7 cell packs and your e-maxx will feel like a different truck. The stock chassis will not fit 7 cell stick packs, but some companies make a special 7 cell hump pack designed around the stock e-maxx chassis. There are several aftermarket chassis kits available that fit the 7 or 8 cell packs, and this might ultimately be in your future. Even a few nice 6 cell gp3300 packs will wake your truck up (depending on what batteries you are running now). Ultimately, brushless is the answer for low maintenance power and runtime. Start with batteries and build as your budget allows. Good batteries are a must to get the most from your electric vehicle, regardless if you go brushless or not. The stock titans are probably the best option in the brushed motor world for your truck, so stick with them until you go brushless. We will certainly do our best to answer any specific questions you have and guide you in selecting the proper system should you decide to go brushless or upgrade your chassis or any other hop-ups you may be considering. Welcome to the forum.

Mike