OK Buzz here are my .02.

I built a HOB Chea-Pass .10 laser stick. I went with the $79.00 Norvel AME .15. It ran good, I never did get good throttle transition with it. Top end was good. The idle never was really reliable even after a gallon of fuel. I sold it. I next bought a MECOA .15 (about $55.00) and put it on the test stand to break it in. The muffler had a casting flaw which allowed goop to spew out in front of the baffle. I sent it, (the baffle) to mecoa and they told me all of them looked like mine. OK replace it or give me a new muffler! I even offered to purchase another muffler (If they would discount it). NOPE! Nothing. I just forgot it. It ran OK but generated alot of vibration. Top end was great but it never would hold a reliable idle. I sold it.
I then came across a used OS FP 15, (About $40.00). This is a creampuff!!!! I get good Idle, transition, and great top end. It really impressed me. I have since bought another FP 15 (NIB) and 2 FP 10's. Damn,,, even the 10's idle great. One of them was NIB. I have become a OS fan. I have been in RC since 1975 and have finally realized what many already knew. OS engines are well built and reliable. At least for me. (No need for any comment about the peeling liner of the .46) Never had one of those. I also have a FS 40 which runs like a swiss watch and am waiting on a 50SX. I can't speak on the LA series but I hear the plastic backplate/needle mount is cheesey.




Let us know what you decice to do.

ZB