Some people hate the LA engines, others love them. My friends' 25LA and my 25LA are both great engines. They are not as powerful as most other 25 engines, but they are very reliable. Mine has survived 4 serious crashes (broke the needle valve assembly once). I bought it in 1997, it has been in use regularly and is still going strong. I run 5% nitro and 18% castor oil in it. If treated properly, it is nearly impossible to wear out an engine. But if you run it (too) lean and try to squeeze every rpm out of it all the time, it's not going to last for very long.

It sounds like your expectations are in the OS 40FX-46FX range, or perhaps an Irvine 39? Most engines that are sold today are good engines. If you buy a well-known brand like OS, Irvine, Enya, Magnum etc you WILL get a decent engine. It could be a good idea to buy an engine that other people around you have. If you need help, there will be someone with experience with that particular type of engine.

The most important thing (in my opinion) is that you buy what YOU want, not what everyone tells you to buy. [sm=thumbup.gif]