Just make sure you don't let the bare leads touch each other!! By doing them one at a time, you should be able to avoid that.
Only strip the insulation off of one wire at a time...solder the first wire to the connector, then heat shrink it. Then move on to the other wire.
I believe the auto-LiPo is set as the default...unless you're switching back from another setting, the esc should already be set to the "auto-LiPo" setting.
Good call! I did a little searching on HPI's site, but I can't find where you can actually buy the parts seperately...any where in the US that sells the individual parts?
That looks good...might have to try that captured pin idea you did up!
Do you know if the Atomic ones have toe built in? 0` rear toe is gonna make it pretty squirrely on a track.