RE: Tuned Pipes for Beginners
Hughie 42
There are few airframes out there capable of staying togeather at twice the HP and speed of the original design intent. Keep this in mind when (not if) this thing comes apart. If you want t fly 3-D, set up a 3D plane correctly and learn to be an exceptional pilot, or as good as you can be. If you want to go fast (a relative term) go with a fast airframe and engine. Any OS, other than Ducted Fan units are designd for typical sport usage, meaning good transition and torque. A jett stream muffler (pipe) is a simple and effective way of increasing any engines rpm and still have reasonable transition. You will find the typical tuned pipe to be a pain to install and run, but effective when set up correctly. Pattern guys use them for increased torque, go faster guys use them to get as much rpm out of a engine designed for rpm's. Most of the go-faster bunch will start with a engine that is designed to scoot, a Jett LX or quickee engine, nelson etc. A Rossie and others do make rpm engines, their practical uses are generally limited to go fast stuff. The only overall engine out there cpable of idle and transition and multiple uses are the Jett LX series engines IMHO. A OS 46 quits around 14,500. A Jett 46LX or 50 quits at 18,000 plus. Now 4,000 does not seem like much, but in a racing application, your gonna get lapped flying the OS in most circumstances. Spend a few bucks on a viper, sig wonder, Diamond Dust ect, and strap on a good correctly sized engine. You will find out if you are a speed nut in short order. If you think you like it and have club pylon races, get a Hobbico "Avi-Star", make wing flat, chop to 40" add quickie landing gear, cowel in nose and a Webra 55, jett pipe and 9 X 10 apc. You and the gang will be shocked at the speed, and it will turn. We have 3 now in our Club racing them in our "Open class", allmost anything goes pylon racing. They kick vipers tail when they are powered by a typical sports engine, are cheap and durable. They are near quickee speeds with a Jett 60LX, and still land better than most. We are yet to scatter one in the air, the wings centers are not glassed for most, tailfeathers stock. A lot of the old 70's pattern designs will scoot with retracts and a good engine. The DC "Tusnami " still in production by someone else is also very quick with a good engine and retracts. You must remember, speed is relatively expensive. If you wanta go 200, stay with the known stuff such as Formula 40 or Q-500 for a relatively cheep go faster experience. Speed is not for everyone. Things happen quickly, a minor bo-bo will cost you around $1,000.00, more or less. When flying around the pylons 20 feet above the ground at 150 to near 200, you will either love the thrill, or flat hate it. Not much time to correct a little overbank, I guess about 1/20th of a second, or less. Back in the 70's, one of the guys around to beat was 80 something. Amazing, wonderfull old poop, loved by most all. He demonstrates how important set up skills are. ENJOY