Grasshopper Ii/super Hornet Chassis Advice Wanted

[TAZ-NZ]

I picked up the Super G - Grasshopper II pictured below of ebay, I haven't received it yet but I though I start planning out what I want to do with it.

My current list of to do's is:

Strip and restore body, and apply new decals (orginal set of decal on there way)

Replace front uprights with Lunchbox items, to allow for wider front wheels to be fitted.

Upgrade front steering links to blackfoot items with 5mm rod adjusters and ball connecters.

Rebuild transmission with new gear and fit ball bearings all round.

Check oil filled shocks new refresh if needed.

Finish sourcing wider Tires and wheels, driver and a few spares.

I plan to run a Hitec DCX reciver, Hitec HS-325HB servo, and EXZ-R Pro ESC, now the ESC is good for a 17 turn motor and 8.4volt battery. Now this is where I start to need advice, I was thinking of running a Venom Fireball 17T double wound Motor with a Trintry 7-Cell 8.4V 5000mAh Hump Battery, I'll probably also replace the motor leads with Low Resistance items. Now it's probably over-kill, but do you think the chassis/transmission handle the power ?

Also does anyone have any ideas on a rear sway bar or other mod to help with transmisson clack you get with these cars, I know about the Lunchbox third shock mod but i'm not sure there is enough room to do it on this chassis.

I'm interested in any other mods hop-ups extras that will help handling or reliablity that I can do to this car. It will be a runner, but other than changing the wheels I want to keep it looking as stock as possible.

Any tips or tricks that help me, well be gratefully received.