There is a reason I won't mod axial/k or sport engines, here are some reasons why.
The stock bearings are junk, I have seen them let go in under a gallon.
The con rods are not as strong as others and the bushings are a little soft.
The sleeve is chrome plated but it is not very strong plating and wears out too fast.
The piston is cast aluminum, then machined for fitment, the material is soft and another reason they break-in and die so fast.
The crank is not balanced very well and has poor tolerance specs in regards to the block which will cause the famous front bearing leak.
The block is weak and has a tendency to break with hard hits.
Bushing in the back plate is soft and starts to leak early in life.
Needles fall out of the carb from factory.
Timing specs are never the same, some come with very weak timing #'s and other with better #'s, it's a crap shoot to get the "good one".
There is a reason an axial/k can break-in in under 8 tanks, that proves the point of cheap materials when a better engine takes a gallon + sometimes two. There are 10 dead axials/k for every one that lasts over a 5 gallons.
LRP, Nova and Picco's don't suffer from the above mentioned. Most have billet high silicone content pistons, superior chrome plating, high quality bearings, tough blocks etc. In the end it's what you like and can afford.
Just my experience from years of observation, take it as you will.
