Just got mine. Opened the box, unmistakable gas smell-----this engine has definetely been run!! Good surprise.
Mounted it on a test stand, threw a 5 cell pack at the ignition, choke closed, handful of flips got a POP, choke open, couple flips later, purring away at a fast idle. Gave it some throttle, took it immediately (great transition!!). OK, I'm starting to like what I'm seeing. Full throttle, 6600 RPM with a 21 x 8 Xoar prop. Smooth. Not particularly quiet, but smooth. Of course, I'm not one to trust "factory" needle settings, so I proceed to adjust the card right out of adjustment. It was right where it needed to be out of the box!!! I've never seen this in a gasser before, and yep, I've owned/operated quite a few through the years. Got the idle slowed down nicely(removed the spring loaded idle stop screw as usual).
Now, this is only after about 20 minutes of bench running time, but if this thing continues to behave like this, I'll be a happy camper----