i have had 3 of the chinese engines, and i never notice a whole lot of difference on hills after breakin. i notice slightly better top speed on flat, throttle response improves, engine seems to run smoother. but i have never had enough of a power increase to give me good speed uphill. for a direct drive system, you cant expect it to climb hills. of course, it may also depend on the riders weight. i weigh around 280. my top speed is between 30 and 35 on flat roads. not too shabby, i say. unfortunately, at the moment my top speed is pedal power, due to the fact that im in the process of rebuilding engines for the 3rd time. ugh! found out the centrifugal clutches are junk, so gotta tear apart a brand new engine to rebuild a used one. not looking forward to this project at all. hopefully can get it done in one day. have to take the cylinder off one engine, put it on another, reconnect my diy ignition switch, bandage my muffler. not looking forward to this rebuild at all.