Mikenlapz, I checked my engine with the stock backplate and with a 1/8" gap to the reed stop there is about .045" clerance to the crankpin.

Flypaper, I have thought about some more flexable reed material made of a composite but I have yet to find anything that I think would work. Right now I am using some stainless material from a large feeler guage for my 4 reeds and it seems to be working. But yes I have been thinking that if I get the motor to put out a respectable amount of HP then breakage might be a problem. Logic dictates that my V arrangment would put less stress on the reeds themselves while allowing for more direct airflow. Let me know if you know of any composite reed material that people are using.

Fastball.