Richard told me the same thing.... lower compression- period. Richard is a great world class guy, and will share with anyone who asks. But Richard isnt the only source for options Terry.
There are things like bearings, which everyone knows mainly add life, but will run cooler longer. Then there is Chris Attebery's SS headers that are suppose to yield 300 more RPM.. A proper prop, (with mods to the pitch that APC doesnt offer)prepared to match the engine in a race environment. When you visit the Heli forums and talk engines, you learn a lot about cooler runs which yield better RPM,s.
When I talk to Richard, he says only lower the compression and go. So NO, Im not liked better. [&o]
He is very specific on what HE does and doesnt do. Yes he talks of the wing mod to the WM Mustang (Not the Dago). In fact I think he tried to get me to get one..
If there has been something tried he will probably have heard of it. Like cleaning up the timing, different pistons, new internals etc.... As to their success and longevity, he would be the guy in the know. Thats why I say ask him. He's the YS go to guy. But again, he will tell you he doesnt do these things, and I believe him, but ask him about them. Thats what the original poster wanted to know, so I directed him to Richard.
As far as my times, I know I fly a tight course and can get on the poles. As stated in an earlier post, flying is the forgotten "mod" that most overlook. And it is a "Combination" of many little things that will put someone out front. Im not looking for "Fast" time, just right at the break out.
Many with the "New" wings are going so fast that they can run long and still be at break out with out a cut threat. I dont think all that is necessary. I think a good caller (another unmentioned "Mod") is a key to running competitively with out several major changes. Maybe to many here a new wing is not a major change, but to me it is.
As stated, many little things all add up. Or you can go to a new wing like Carey or Richard and even yourself who have tried them, and make that change. But cant some one do enough minor changes and then work on his skills and be at break out?
Thats where Im at.
Im editing this for clarification:
I dont know of any "Exotic" parts out there. I put it in quotations to make a point. I dont think there are any "superman" "king Kong" miracle parts.
But I do know of some and believe there are more, "things" to do to help an engine run higher RPMs. As mentioned above and in my other posts.
I look forward to the coming year of racing with all of you Warbird guys.