It sounds like this is the late model Ryobi. It IS a good candidate for an R/C motor. It already has good compression, The piston has better support with the center web between the transfer ports. The rod has an I-beam shape which theoretically should be stronger than the older style. The exhaust port looks like it would flow better (although it could be opened up, see post 284). It can be considerably improved from stock configuration but it's probably the best one to start with. This is the motor that I worked up and is described in my posts on this thread.

I believe too that the long shaft motor is better for R/C conversion than the short shaft Ryobi, especially if you want to convert it to electronic ignition. When converting to electronic ignition the prop adapter is keyed to the crankshaft as opposed to just screwed on tight which is the way it works with the short shaft version. It's also a piece of cake to affix the spinner on the end of the long crankshaft.

diceco