I note that this engine requires 20:1 fuel, for break in at least, very unusual for a gasser. I also note that there is no mention of needle bearings on the con rod. Please tell me that Saito was not dumb enough to put out a gasser that does not meet the basic standards of construction for this engine type. Please don't tell me they put bronze bushings in a $650 gas engine!!!

Dumb or not, according to HH and all the other threads going on here about this engine NO it does not have needle bearings on the con rod. I'm sure that Saito did a lot of R & R before release, but who knows how long it will last.

None of the small lawn equipment four strokes use needle bearings on the conrod. Two stroke lawn equipment, on the other hand, does. Different animals. My Saito 91 has been on gasoline for some time now and I have had NO problems with oiling the lower end. Even at 32:1 you wouldn't believe how much oil it spits out of the case vent tube. I use the same fuel in it as I do in my Zenoah G26; Gasoline with Redline Racing Two Stroke oil. I am running the Zenoah at 32:1 because it makes more power at 32:1 than it does at 50:1 or above. (Yes, I took the time to mix four different bottles of fuel and the 20:1 mix made the most power but it spits LOTS of oil out the exhaust at that ratio not to mention the expense.)

Hi.
This engine has gotten a favorable 'mini' review at RC Report magazine, the June, 2008 issue, by their engine expert, Mr. Brian Winch ("the Oily Hand").
Check it out.

I have one of there, does anyone know how to make it louder? is way to quiet for my H9 P51 150!!!