JimTrainor:

Yes, on the early model Saito the gear lash was set by the gasket thickness. On the later design the cam cover comes off with the camshaft staying in the block. The cover is much thinner, and doesn't have the large round area for the driven gear.

Sport_Pilot:

"Popular" was a poor choice of words, I should have said "Well known." And I've not seen any glowing user reports on them either. Magazine reviews have all been positive, naturally. I have seen complaints about their high vibration levels, RCV says "Use a heavier plane."

That's not my idea of a correct solution. I'll not buy one until they smooth them out.

Bill.