It's a shame you got hold of one of the engines with problems. At least the repairs will be covered under warranty. Horizon has been real stand up about about fixing any problems and even gone so far as to recall trucks on store shelves. Not every company would go to that extreme. Also, I have not heard of anyone who has had the engine repaired after the con rod failed that has had further problems.
Coincidently, I have a Savage ss 25 also and I've been considering putting a Mach.26 in it (I have an extra one on hand). Strangely enough, I've had more trouble with my Savage than with the LST. The Savage has even had to have a new motor because the entire left side of the crankcase broke into several small pieces.
Dave