Texas 3D

My Feedback: (16)

well, I am normally totally sold on DA, but was wondering if the ZDZ 100 NG can hold up to the DA-100 ? I mean is the DA 100 really worth the extra $$ or is it just a Ford vs. Chevy thing ? I have read good things about the ZDZ motors, and are willing to give it a try if it there isn't to much difference. How do they compare in power ? How about the ignition system ? Any good on the ZDZ ?
Please only comment if you experience or real information on both brands.
Thanks

Panzlflyer

My Feedback: (15)

I cant comment on the 100 issue but the ignitions are first rate. I havent heard of a failure around here on the ZDZs.Nicely shielded down to the plug cover.

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

I have looked at the same thing. I am also looking at the ZDZ 80. I can get this engine $400+ cheaper and have good power for 1/3 scale planes.

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

I have both and they are both great engines...

The new 100NG is a few .oz lighter (maybe 6 or so?) butthat's neglible.... The DA is always reported to put out a few more rpms than the other brands...

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

WHich planes do you have these engines on?
How do you like them?

rmh

I have ZDZ 80 and 100.
I go thru a lot of these - Why?
I build -sell and replace - so I get to see a good cross section of quality and or any differences.
Here is a bit of food for thought:
The 80 ZDZ weighs a little over 4 lbs
The ZDZ100 weighs 4 ozs more .
The DA 100 weighs a lb more than the ZDZ100.
So - in that they all run on essentially the same props - the only other weight isue is mufflers
The ZDZ100 and the DA100 both share exactly the same size type (interchangeable actually)
exhaust systems .
The 80 single systems weigh aprox 2/3 as much .
The 80 is easily the least money
the 100ZDZis a bit less than the DA100.
Power comparison
This is where it all gets really muddy---
The 80 on a full length tuned pipe beats the 100's on in cowl mufflers .
But with all on in cowl mufflers - on big props - the power is 80ZDZ-ZDZ100 then very closely the DA100.- It has possibly the edge here .
Now start changing to tuned systems for all of em - The 100's now beat the 80-
BUT the 100's have TWO tuned pipes so their weight also is more about two lbs each--.
Which engine is the best?
power for price - no contest - the 80 easily wins
Which is smoother
up till recently the 100's both showed an advantage in mid range - BUT my new 80 has a new design counterweight crank -and I don't know how they did it - but this thing is as smooth as a good twin - thru entire power band-
easy starting -setting up - flip a coin .
For the 33% airplanes - your choice -
for the 35% airplane UNDER 25 lbs - again your choice - for the 30 lb 35% models
frankly at our altitude you have gone past a really good power to weight setup - I don't care whose 100 engine you choose.

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

I can't speak as to the performance of these two engines... My comments about being great engines are based on reports from others. I have run a DA-50, a couple ZDZ-50's and a ZDZ-80... And they have all performed flawlessly thus far.

The DA-100 is going in my 33% Edge 540T (then maybe a WH 35% Extra)

The ZDZ100NG is going in a BME Ultimate due here by then end of the month.


Both have dual cannister exhausts and will both be brand new when first run...

I'll be able to tach both with the same size prop from the get go...

I expect to see the DA run maybe a 100-200 rpm more, but it weighs (as Dick H. said) a lb. more... (I couldn't be sure as my small postal scale will weigh the ZDZ but not the 100)

DA has a flawless service reputation, but there haven't been too many complaints about RC SHowcase either. I have had nothing but positive experiences from both companies.

So I guess I just wanted to say that if one picked a ZDZ over a DA or vice-versa.... it would be more a matter of personal preference than anything else.

Close in price, performance:weight and excellent service.

I chose the ZDZ100NG for the BME Ultimate because it was designed around the BME 110 and would benefit from a lighter engine without much balance issues... I'm shooting for <26 lbs on an 80.5" bipe

rmh

based on our experiences with the ZDZ100NG and the pre NG type:
Do NOT overload with prop.
This is folly as it does not increase thrust -
"why ?"
on the bipe - the plane is draggy - my bipe is 1790 squares - weighs with a 80 -18 lbs
still not really fast but excellent pull from any speed.
So - to let the engine unload - use a prop such as the Mejzlic 26x10 -
We have slightly revised our thinking on these engines in the last while - based on seeing a bunch of em - 50-60- 80-100-160 all run with slightly less static load props --and all on 32 -1 synthetic - different brands but all the same mix.
Oils used -Redline - Klotz-Amsoil-some other race bike stuff - and Mobil. Overall - it appears performance is improved
all run cool all put out MORE power than before .
all needle easily.
The nice "loose but good compression " feel is also evident.
can't speak for other engines but the combo sure seems to be worthwhile.
One other thing - some of these engines we started from new with the 32-1 mix - they are as clean as a pin internally no scratches etc..
there are eight different flyers involved here - and so far all are pleased with results.

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

Great info Dick, will take your suggestion... maybe use a 26x10 Mens S or perhaps an NX or MSC?

I have a Bambula 26x10 but maybe you think that's too much load up front?

I like them so well because they are quiet but strong...

Did the 26x10 rip on the 100s?

Texas 3D

My Feedback: (16)

good comments everybody. I appreciate it. Thanks. I think I will maybe give the ZDZ a try. Seems like the ZDZ 100 NG has a good reputation. My main worries where the ignition system. It will be going in a Aeroworks 33% Ultimate btw. Should be plenty if it comes in at 26 -27 lbs.
What canister mufflers do you guys recommend for the ZDZ ?

Maudib, keep us updated on your tach readings comparing both.

rmh

J David- All the props would rip - 27x10 MenzS - whatever - ZDZ-80-100 andDA-
If you want RIP-just set engine for max lean on straight and level (too lean for 3Dand hard IMAC)
and let it unload.
Means NOTHING.
The Bambula is a good load but the Mejzlic26x10 is less load -static and in thair pulls really hard --on th 20-23 lb models .
You have to adjust prop used on in air performance - not prop rip - prop rip just means you have not learned good throttle management.
Some props are worse offenders than others - and typically it has to do with a flatter tip angle -which easily catches up with speed of model and makes noise .
MenzS are the worst - but do fly well -just keep power back on level stuff.
Cans forZDZ100 -for quiet?
get the JMB70x300--
and make very short headers -6-7" long -
this will add under two lbs to bare engine - the incowls are a bit over one lb. and lots noiser . flown right - the in cowl noise is not bad- but if you use the left stick to hang yor hat on -- ferget it.

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

That's just it Dick, I don't want RIP... I want a nice quiet plane because I enjoy a quieter plane and my field really deserves a quieter one...


I know I can use throttle management to keep the rpm's down when the plane is under least load, but I wanted to make sure that I didn't get a prop that is "RIP happy"

The Bambula 26x8 I used on the ZDZ80 (break-in prop) was real quiet... the RPM's were kept down a bit, but the pulling power sure seemed to be there.

Since I've not have the pleasure of running any of the 100cc engines yet, and therefore the bigger props, I thought I'd rely on your experience...

Do you suggest a lighter (smaller prop) for break-in then switch to the 26x10 Mejzlic or just go straight to it?

jongurley

My Feedback: (29)

I did see a ZDZ on a new Composite ARF YAK 3.3m , I guess it was the 160 ZDZ it had a 34x12 that is alittle much for a 150,,,,,, It ran strong I was impressed on how much vertical bite it had it kept going and going,,,,

rmh

either prop -start with -stay with .
I ran27x10's on one 80 - and tho the plane flew fine- the friggen prop ran at 6100 and overall it simply worked better on prop turning faster - at 6600
these were Mejzlic 26x10 and MenzS
and th real fooler the 26 x10 Bambula which turned almost as slow as the MenzS 27x10 -but plane ol worked better all comparisons.
for th "hang till you drop" fans - the smaller prop is by far the best setup

Geistware

My Feedback: (16)

Dick, thanks for your comments.
I think I am going to be sold on the ZDZ80.
I want to get to 33% planes, but not at $1000+ per engine.
THanks again

JohnVH

My Feedback: (38)

I know both are great engines, I have had both, so I can say that. But, if that zdz ever needs to go back, can you compare the service to DA's? you know DA is going to treat you 100%.

3DFanatic

My Feedback: (5)

Screw em all and get a BME110X haha

rmh

stunning riposte

jongurley

My Feedback: (29)

common repost ,,, I wonder how the power of the ZDZ 80 compares to the DA 100 in a Hangar 9 33%er ,, as far as pulling out of a hover, vertical climb etc....

JohnVH

My Feedback: (38)

jon, I can tell you from experience, the stock 80 is not even close to the stock da100 in power. Vertical is 10x better with the 100

3DFanatic

My Feedback: (5)

I'm just joking :PPP They're all good.

rmh

10 times better ?
well - I don't know what you consider a "stock" 80 - but on the 80 w/ a JMB muffler there may be some difference -
We have local DA100's on these as well as the 80 -and depending on the setup, there is noticable -to not noticable differences.
I did BOTH setups for a customer - and the ZDZ has a tuned can - the DA in cowl mufflers
his opinion after flying both for a year -
"maybe some difference ".

JohnVH

My Feedback: (38)

I have had an 80, we will take my sukhoi for instance, had a zdz80 on it this last year, was fun, will hover and pull out, vertical was not as fast as I liked it to be. SO, I sold the 80, put a DA100 on it. HUGE power difference, 100 on stock mufflers, 80 had a pitts. Stock I consider is no engine mods, no tuned pipes. So, on my plane the 100 was 10x better. Just my experience. The 80 was an awesome dead reliable engine, but just not enough power for me. I could have tried a pipe setup, but wanted the twin.

3DFanatic

My Feedback: (5)

Hehe powa

rmh

Yes - the Pittsmufflers especially one brand -really cramps the 80 - the present setup I have is NOT tuned -but it is much shorter than the 12" header and tuned can I usually use -
there is a power difference but this one is very good.
I find that the mejzlic 26x10 matches this setup perfectly.
We dida lot of comparison tests with DA100's and 80's on tuned cans.
the various props were from no differences to 300 rpm differences .
That is a hefty increase on the big props - we tested using the SAME prop which as you know fits either engine .
I really like the DA100 -it is one of my favorite engines. and as you noted - with in cowl mufflers - is stronger - as it should be
If I paid almost twice as much -I would want some additional power --
As you have no doubt guessed - I prefer the rear intake stuff - light, compact and a real bargain.
ZDZ and DA are my top choices for large gassers .

Now then -I have a new small Roto 25 cc and this is looking to be a real runner.