r1harper, I don't normally rely on stock needle settings either but I just couldn't get the GRP.21 engine to run correctly (perform) SO i needed a base point to tune from. I have read several different forums on the GRP and several people have given their stock settings and they are almost all different . Makes me think GRP just turns them out from closed to a desired point and stop. My GRP.28 has been flawless and has a ton of power. in fact to much. I run 7k f, 15k c, 3k in the rear and at about 15mph if I crack it wide open the front end comes off the ground.