Best performance options?

[Schr-eng]

I’ve put an AWD kit on the R34 and I was wondering about some other things here:

1) Stage 2 motor w/ AWD. I hear its not such a good thing to do. I’m looking for more power, and looking at the specs of the stage 2 motors, it looks like I can still get better performance because of the different gear ratios. People say you can’t get enough torque out of the stage 2 motors to make them worth while, but can’t that be adjusted with the proper gear ratio? Seems to me like the “Drift” stage 2 set up (30k RPM w/ 6:1 ratio) would provide sufficient torque to drive the AWD set up. So, what’s the deal?

2) Suspension setup. I like the fact that the AWD system cuts down on wheel chatter and rear end skipping on high speed turns, but the stock setup isn’t providing good enough maneuverability. What’s the best suspension setup to increase maneuverability? Is it worth the mod?

3) Alternative energy source. I’m running on alkalines for the time being, but I don’t want to resort to buying the over priced rechargeable AAA batteries from Radio Shack. What’s a good brand to go with and where can I get them at? What is the best type of rechargeable AAA battery?