These darn newer MOSFET radios get hot fast, I have a stock uniden 980 that gets hot, I have installed a fan on it and it's stock lol. It's the components and not even having a heat sink. The rfx units get hot as well and have to be kept cool or they will drift. Just get an external amp and a good antenna system as well. Again the antenna system is going to be vital to the entire system, spend extra time here as it will benefit you in the end. As far as amps go a 2 pill Texas star 350hd, or similar will work well on both am and if I the future you want to get a radio with SSB, you already have an amp that will run clean on SSB as well. JMO. I am not too sure about the newer TNT amps, I have a new style one but it's a few years old and has toshiba 2879 transistors in it. Great amp!! And clean on transmit as well. But I would look for a an amp that is at least bias b. And again sorry to stress this, but get your antenna system setup right before moving forward. JMO. God bless.