thanks so much downunder. ill try a lower nitro content. my idle is a little choppy, but i figured it was the nature of the engine. now i know asp doesnt like higher nitro. and i guess ill just put a deflector on and deal with the oil on the plane. wasnt looking to get rid of it all together, just cut it down a little. during breakin, i had a real mess all over the side of the plane! it needs fine tuned anyway, so ill run what i have left here, then go to what i want to try next. thanks for the suggestions everyone!</p>