Crank,
My old V-IIs were both powered by Lee Custom (PDP) K&B .61 with the Perry pump and accompanying large bore carb, and a pipe. Definitely not a speed demon, it would turn an 11-7 at about 13,500. It was once clocked with a police radar gun @ 115MPH. Definitely not Rossi speed. Now the .55 is giving me a solid 14,000+, so I am a good 500 RPM ahead of the game from the old school days.
I am aiming at about 7-1/2 pounds dry for this one. Gone will be the kraft wheels, plywood skins, glass & paint, and any other dead weight I can drop. Judging from the totally stupid excessive power the .55 is giving the test bed airplane, figuring in another pound or so for the V-II in my estimation will give it a pretty lively performance. The .55 is up to a 1/4 pound lighter than some .60s, as it is based on a .45 size case. I will be trading off a little HP for a weight savings. That evens it up some I figure. At any rate, I have noticed several postings on the engine forum as to the suitability of the .55 for old school pattern use. Maybe we will get an answer to that question.

Unfortunately, the last several months have seen the dissolution of an 8 year relationship, and when she went out the door, so did a good chunk of household income. Toy money is hard by these days, so that brings me to the other point in the .55's favor..... It's paid for!!!

Future iterations of this airplane will sport more HP in the nose. The .55 will have to do for now. Stay tuned....

-Robert