Not much more to add, just that I really, really like the Savage XL. I bought one recently w/ the intention to convert. I took out the K5.9 and dropped in a Losi 427 (.27) engine and good str servo and radio, is otherwise stock, and it kicks ass.
Huge ground clearance just rolls over everything. 3 spd gives the nitro even good power (even wheelies) but still plenty of speed for a big truck w/ massive wheels.
Also, taking it all apart to take measurements and test fit diff BL components, I found the truck surprisingly easy to work on. The only real pita things are nitro related.
Will prob stay nitro for a while and the custom conversion will be a winter project. In the meantime I'll just run it nitro and really enjoy it. Still hate the nitro engine, but the truck is fun enough to make dealing w/ the nitro worth it. Huge

to HPI.
Great fraking truck,