In my completely half-vast experienced..... a ring that permits a lot of blow by, whether due to cylinder machining or ring fit, ultimately may have more "rpm", but sure doesn't have "power" (power being defined here as ability to push a heavy prop load).

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On the DL 50's, there has LONG been speculation that different "sellers" obtain different quality engines. Difficult to know the truth, but my own experience with these is simply that there is a LOT of variation in quality between engines. Pure and simple. You may get a "Monday" engine or a "Wednesday" engine, and they may run completely differently. It really seems to depend on who was running the machine, or how much garbage was in the mold, or.....

If we want every engine spec'd and blueprinted to a tight factory tolerance, we better be ready (and willing) to cough up a LOT more $$$$ for the thing.