Hello all,
I just finished reading through this entire discussion/topic and I have to say it's been very interesting and enlightening. You've confirmed many things that I discovered on my own and also opened my eyes to a few things I never even considered before. I've had converted Ryobis flying for several years now and I really love them. I've been able to get them to produce enough power that I feel very comfortable setting one up for my next project that I'll be starting in a few weeks (a 1.20 size Gee Bee R2 ARF). It should be a very good match for the 71" span racer. I have two otherprojects on the drawing board that will keep my shop filled for the next year or two (including my first giant scale twin) and they will also be powered by (you guessed it) converted Ryobi engines. I'm hooked on gas engines and conversions are my favorites. I just love tinkering with these little buggers.
This whole discussion has been very clear and helpful but I was hoping someone could clarify one thing.Something was mentioned a few pages back about modifying the back plate to reduce the volume in the crankcase. It was said that the mod allowed for an idle so slow and smooth that you could almost count the revolutionsof the prop (or somethinglike that). Attached pictures were mentioned but for whatever reason they can't be viewed any more. Maybe the files were deleted or moved or something. Whoknows? Does anyone know exactly what modificationwas made to the back plate? Are there any pictures that could be reposted maybe? I'd love to havemy engines idle nice and slow and smooth. They do pretty well with CDI ignition when they're set up right but still not supersmooth or super slow. Anyinfo to clarify just whatwas done wouldbe greatly appreciated.
I know this is a prettyold discussion but I'm gonna keep an eye on it anyway. Just can't seem to getmy fill of good information on these neat little engines...

Thank you all somuch,
Pete