Cartwheels,

That is indeed a metal spur. I don't know if you can see it, but the pinion has about had it. That's after about 5 packs of 3S. I'd hate to think of what it's going to be like on 4S. When I was at my LHS, I bought a Kyosho plastic spur gear. It wasn't what I needed, but the holes did line up with those in my diff cups; so, I took a chance and ordered two of the ones that RC Monster has. They look right in the pics. I hope they are what I need. I'd hate to have to go through $25 in pinions everytime I take this thing out to the track. At that point, it will no longer be cheaper than nitro. I have my fingers crossed.