Recommended setup for Stampede/Rustler?

Can anyone recommend a setup for a Rustler? I may also use it in a Stampede. After reading about the Novak SS5800 I'm not wanting to limit myself with it - 7 cells properly geared will only go 35ish - according to most people I've seen post. I would like the rusty to hit 40 to 45. I've got 6, 7 & 8 cell gp packs. Normally I will run 7 or 8 cells (6 cells are for my kids). I'm not against going higher - I've built a 4 cell pack to try 10 with my super rooster but still only hit 35 to 38 when over geared in a 12 turn double. The kicker, and possibly the reason I'll get laughed at/off the thread is that I'd like to keep the system under $300. I've seen posts about the warrior 7018 & 9918 running Feigao motors but never seen top end information. Does anyone have this info? Does anyone have experience with a similar setup?

Thanks!

Donny