FOR ALL OF THE, "Mine is better than yours!" PEOPLE, I URGE YOU TO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES.
A few years back Dave Gierke did a .40 and .60 size engine shootout in MAN.
Check out the issues online and dispell or confirm your myths.
For everyone else, buy and fly what you are partial too!
I don't know how the newer Mag engines run but the older ones were so-so.
O.S. engines are very good engines but way overpriced.
TT engines offer excellent power and reliability at a reasonable price.
As eluded to in previous postings, the occasional manufacturing defect is bound to happen. Oops. Someone just got a bum engine. Sorry. Feces occurs.
For a new engine buyer the important thing to watch out for is an engine line that continually exhibits problematic traits.
Sometimes there is an "engineering oversight" with an engine line that can be easily fixed by someone who WANTS to take the time and effort to do it.
Essentially, reliability and ease of use are the main issues. After that comes the particular traits that engines posses to aid in selection.
I own a bunch of TT engines and aside form a carb mod on my 54 FS, have had NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. Often they run just as good or better than most at the field. I don't see any issues here!
Don't worry about ABN unless its O.S.
Jeff