Thanks for the info guys.
I just recieved a lightning bolt one today that I plucked off of Ebay. When I went after it, it was obvious that it had been cleaned up to sell. I rolled the dice and got it pretty cheap. It looks better than new externally. The only bummer is that the front mounting holes have been enlarged, couldn't tell that from the pictures. I hate it when people re-drill or modify the lug holes. I know it doesn't hurt anything, but to me it de-values an engine.
I haven't run it yet, but seems like it's got very little compression. I'm not bashing the seller BTW. I've learned that some guys have made their own replacement pistons for these things, does anyone sell better replacements that will last?
I also picked up a shiny case one recently that feels really good when you turn it over. I haven't had a chance to run it yet though. From what I'm hearing here and elsewhere, even if it is a good runner, I'm nervous about the compression going away in short order. I'm prepared to mix up some 10% nitro fuel with whatever castor amount would be safe. Right now I'm figuring to mix it to around 25-28% oil.
Without having any previous McCoy experience, I'm just trying to gain some confidence here. I keep thinking I want to stick to my original plan and use a period engine in my Super Combat Streak project, which I plan to start on soon. It just seems to me like a Redhead would look perfect hanging on the nose.