Yes, but many of the "older" engines were not at 28º-30º some were around 20º-24º for ease of starting. The main ones like this were "set" electronic egnition to keep the engine from kicking back on start up and idle better. Never the less "the newer 50cc engines" are lighter and the main reason is no big fly wheel. If you need the nose weight though it's not a big deal, unless you goal is to have a engine that starts easy without a spring setup (pain in the rear in more ways then one). Come to think about it wasn't the Walker engine the original Brison? If it has the machical advance and works well there is not a big advantage to upgrade other then not having to deal with the advance linkage.