RCIGN1's point is well taken - I've not run the engine on 87 octane, non-syn oil since installing the new muffler.

With the engine now running on the new muffler at higher RPMs and running much cooler, perhaps the higher octane/syn-oil is not a significant factor, now.

Worth a retest, but it will have to wait - I need to complete a few clearance issues with the newly installed 4-40 hardware, airbrush out some hanger rash and recheck balance. I have confidence in the engine now, and need to fly it this year - everyone has started to think it will never fly!

Website for J-A Engineer is: http://www.j-aengineering.com