The owner's manual specifically states that that plating is nickel. Ive been running one during the last three years, full throttle most of the time, and it still "locks" up at top dead center, when cold. Never heard of any type of peeling problem with this brand. My contribution to this forum is to say that they run great. My opinion is that nickel in itself is not really the problem; rather, the fault lies on the part of OS when applying it on their engines during a certain period of time. Upon dismantling the Thunder Tiger you can observe the fine machining that goes into these engines. Good luck !

Misterpanda