Get the Saito. I have a 72 and 82 and LOVE them.

OK, for the tuning part.

All the Saitos I have encountered prefer a MINIMUM of 10% nitro. They seem happiest with a 15% - 20% nitro and will digest 30% nitro with no problems. The instructions say 20% oil. I have had no problems with Powermaster or Byron's (about 17% - 18% oil ).

The Saito should run fairly decent right out of the box. You will definitely need to break the engine in though. For the breakin AND for tuning afterwards you will need a tach. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for breaking and you will be fine. I would not recommend trying to tune the engine by "ear". After about a gallon and 1/2 - 2 gallons of fuel through the engine, or if the power starts dropping off, check your valve clearances and adjust them. It is not hard to do if you know which end of a screw driver to hold and how to use a wrench.

When you are flying the plane (and during breakin also ) remember this - The engine NEEDS to be making "smoke" at all speeds to avoid the possibility of a lean run.

While many people suggest using an all synthetic oil, I prefer and use a castor/synthetic blend. Yes, I get staining on the muffler, however, the peace of mind I get from the castor against a lean run is worth it to me.