Ok here is a question for all you Ryobi Conversion Guru's. I have a pretty good selection of parts to put together at least two or three good engines and my question involves the reed mounting/engine back plate. With have a few to choose from I see there are a few designs. One style with the reeds buried in the plate, one style that is flat with the reed on top, one style with the reeds on top mounted on what I will call a slight hill in the plate, and one used one of the last style that has that hill, or hump, shaved flat. I was wondering if anyone has experimented with the plates or knows which to use and possibly why. I could take the time and bench test them all but I was hoping to save that time and read as many posts as I can, ok just kidding about the posts but the time savings would be cool. Any and all info I will get will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all kindly in advance.

I am not a Guru but believe anyone will be equally good, prefer one with larger aperture. Many agree that the opening of reed should be increased to about 1/8 inch, if less.

-ZM

I was thinking of getting a set of Boyseen, not sure thats spelled right, reeds from a motorcycle shop as well. I had them in a few MX bikes I had years ago and boy did they wake up those engines, mostly bottom end. I did talk to someone at a mower shop and he said that the manufactures always try to get more power while staying as efficient as possible so hes guessing the newest style is the way to go which is the one with the hump or hill in it. He also said if I try sghaving it smooth the reeds that were on it will have a "set" to them and they may not seal, and I may gain nothing. Oh well. I hope more people will respond with their opinion.