An engine lubrication and speed control method is provided. The four-cycle engine has a lightweight aluminum alloy engine block having a cylindrical bore and an oil reservoir formed therein. A vertical or horizontal crankshaft is rotatably mounted in the engine block for rotation about a crankshaft axis. A piston reciprocates within the bore and is connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod. An oil pump is driven by the camshaft connected with a cam gear, which mates with a crank gear that is driven by the crankshaft, inhales the oil from the oil reservoir to splash lubricate into the cylinder bore and valve chamber. The engine is provided with a cylinder head assembly defining a compact combustion chamber having a pair of overhead intake and exhaust ports and cooperating intake and exhaust valves. A commonality of parts between the horizontal and the vertical engine is highly achieved.