Ok so I have about 1.5 gal threw my engine and I think it is getting easier to start. I prime it then choke it, flip 4-5 times and a big bang, not a pop, then no choke and another 5-10 flips and it starts. Main thing is to make sure it is primed and getting gas. Re-starts are a little more challenging, sometimes no choke, but a lot of flips. Sometimes choke, flip, no chock, flip, choke if it does not start after 10 flips, 3-4 flips and take the choke off, then another 10+ flips. It does start! I did retard the timing about 1/32" I haven't tested the timing, just playing it by ear. I'm getting 6500 Rpm on a Xoar 26x10 with around 40lb of thrust. I'm flying and breaking it in on my 100cc Sbach frame. The performance is very similar to the EME120 I normally have in the frame, strong up line, vertical is similar to my EME, it will hang at half throttle.
The biggest difference is the sound, this engine is crazy loud. The EME is much quieter and sounds much better, after all it is a twin. Vibration is more with the 85, highest at idle and low rpm. The engine is strong and so far runs great once you get it started. At this point my only issue is the way it starts and how loud it is. My home made scale muffler and exhaust is not as loud as the stock muffler. For the plane I am using it in, my GSTF P-47 it is a good fit, it is only 3oz lighter then my EME120. Next week I will put the 22x10x4 blade prop on it and see how it flies compared to the two blade .