Best engine for a Viper 500?
#1
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Best engine for a Viper 500?
With no plans to race (no racing happening around here at all) but wanting to keep my thumbs sharp regularly for my turbines, I picked up a Great Planes Viper 500 at a local RC auction this past weekend. I know these are not the ideal Q500 plane by any stretch, but it was inexpensive and already built and ready for engine and radio.
So, I've been patiently waiting to hear back from Profi engines worldwide (www.flycontrolline.com but they don't appear to respond to emails.... With Nelson being toast (from what I understand yes?) I don't know what other engine will really fit the bill.
Suggestions?
thanks
Jeremy
So, I've been patiently waiting to hear back from Profi engines worldwide (www.flycontrolline.com but they don't appear to respond to emails.... With Nelson being toast (from what I understand yes?) I don't know what other engine will really fit the bill.
Suggestions?
thanks
Jeremy
#2
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
www.jettengineering.com Jett makes several .40's that will fill the bill. The QJ2 is a potent one. There is also a new (not on the website yet) engine designed for the SEMPRA racing rules, runs about 250 bucks, that is attracting attention.
That said, there's also decent used Nelson engines, both short stroke (first versions) and long stroke (last one) that you could get. Either here on the RCU marketplace, or fleabay...
Be advised, you'll have to do some beefing up of parts of the viper to use any of the above. There are threads in the Q500 forum about this.
That said, there's also decent used Nelson engines, both short stroke (first versions) and long stroke (last one) that you could get. Either here on the RCU marketplace, or fleabay...
Be advised, you'll have to do some beefing up of parts of the viper to use any of the above. There are threads in the Q500 forum about this.
#4
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
Hi guys,
I looked at the Jett's, definitely a possibility, how would a BSE Q40 engine work on this plane (again, not going racing), they're the same price as the Q500 engine.
I'd really like to give the Profi a try, I've run Nelson's in the past but would like to try the Profi, wish they're return my email.
Oh yeah, was going to add, that as good a deal as used engines can be, I've always made a point of not buying used ducted fan or pylon engines.... the 2 times I bought used Nelson's, for the short time they lasted before needing a top end, I ended up spending nearly as much as brand new.
I looked at the Jett's, definitely a possibility, how would a BSE Q40 engine work on this plane (again, not going racing), they're the same price as the Q500 engine.
I'd really like to give the Profi a try, I've run Nelson's in the past but would like to try the Profi, wish they're return my email.
Oh yeah, was going to add, that as good a deal as used engines can be, I've always made a point of not buying used ducted fan or pylon engines.... the 2 times I bought used Nelson's, for the short time they lasted before needing a top end, I ended up spending nearly as much as brand new.
#5
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
BSE Q40 wouldn't work very well - otherwise the Q500 racing guys would be using them on the Q500 planes..
The Q40 turns a much smaller diameter prop (7.4" or so) and doesn't have enough disc area to pull the comparatively draggy Q500 airframe as well as the larger (8.8") dia props used on the Q500's.
The BSE Q500 engine would be a better choice.
The Q40 turns a much smaller diameter prop (7.4" or so) and doesn't have enough disc area to pull the comparatively draggy Q500 airframe as well as the larger (8.8") dia props used on the Q500's.
The BSE Q500 engine would be a better choice.
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
LGM,
For what you are intending to do, get yourself the new SEMPRA Sport Jett motor. The price is 250.00 and is built solid just like the current quickie motors of today with exception of less HP. The new SEMPRA motor is basically the first generation Q500 engine of the past from what Dub told me, but it was designed to fit the bill for the new AMA428 class in trying to slow down the speed of quickie racing. This engine will work great on that Viper for practicing and keep you on your toes. Give Dub a call and tell you want the SEMPRA motor as it's not listed on the website.
Hope this helps.
For what you are intending to do, get yourself the new SEMPRA Sport Jett motor. The price is 250.00 and is built solid just like the current quickie motors of today with exception of less HP. The new SEMPRA motor is basically the first generation Q500 engine of the past from what Dub told me, but it was designed to fit the bill for the new AMA428 class in trying to slow down the speed of quickie racing. This engine will work great on that Viper for practicing and keep you on your toes. Give Dub a call and tell you want the SEMPRA motor as it's not listed on the website.
Hope this helps.
#9
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
I guess it boils down to how fast you want to go? The TTpro .40 is a good engine, cheap, and I'd guess around 115-120 MPH. Keep in mind this is a guess..
The SS (short stroke) Nelson, Jett, (the Profi falls in this group, I think) - probably around 160-165. The LS engines (Nelson, Jett's QJ2) are a little faster yet. The Profi showed up at about the same time as the new longer stroke Nelson / Jett engines, and was outclassed pretty quickly. That's why you don't see too many of them, I think.
Bear in mind the speeds above are a guess on my part - nothing scientific, but should be pretty close. Level flight, no significant headwind, tailwind, etc.
The viper might not hit the 165-170 end of things, it's not as good a plane as some of the more hard core composite wing planes, but at 130 bucks, it's nowhere near the cost of one, either. Probably the most popular plane in the 424 racing (TTpro .40 class)
The SS (short stroke) Nelson, Jett, (the Profi falls in this group, I think) - probably around 160-165. The LS engines (Nelson, Jett's QJ2) are a little faster yet. The Profi showed up at about the same time as the new longer stroke Nelson / Jett engines, and was outclassed pretty quickly. That's why you don't see too many of them, I think.
Bear in mind the speeds above are a guess on my part - nothing scientific, but should be pretty close. Level flight, no significant headwind, tailwind, etc.
The viper might not hit the 165-170 end of things, it's not as good a plane as some of the more hard core composite wing planes, but at 130 bucks, it's nowhere near the cost of one, either. Probably the most popular plane in the 424 racing (TTpro .40 class)
#10
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
ORIGINAL: fizzwater2
I guess it boils down to how fast you want to go? The TTpro .40 is a good engine, cheap, and I'd guess around 115-120 MPH. Keep in mind this is a guess..
The SS (short stroke) Nelson, Jett, (the Profi falls in this group, I think) - probably around 160-165. The LS engines (Nelson, Jett's QJ2) are a little faster yet. The Profi showed up at about the same time as the new longer stroke Nelson / Jett engines, and was outclassed pretty quickly. That's why you don't see too many of them, I think.
Bear in mind the speeds above are a guess on my part - nothing scientific, but should be pretty close. Level flight, no significant headwind, tailwind, etc.
The viper might not hit the 165-170 end of things, it's not as good a plane as some of the more hard core composite wing planes, but at 130 bucks, it's nowhere near the cost of one, either. Probably the most popular plane in the 424 racing (TTpro .40 class)
I guess it boils down to how fast you want to go? The TTpro .40 is a good engine, cheap, and I'd guess around 115-120 MPH. Keep in mind this is a guess..
The SS (short stroke) Nelson, Jett, (the Profi falls in this group, I think) - probably around 160-165. The LS engines (Nelson, Jett's QJ2) are a little faster yet. The Profi showed up at about the same time as the new longer stroke Nelson / Jett engines, and was outclassed pretty quickly. That's why you don't see too many of them, I think.
Bear in mind the speeds above are a guess on my part - nothing scientific, but should be pretty close. Level flight, no significant headwind, tailwind, etc.
The viper might not hit the 165-170 end of things, it's not as good a plane as some of the more hard core composite wing planes, but at 130 bucks, it's nowhere near the cost of one, either. Probably the most popular plane in the 424 racing (TTpro .40 class)
This is my current "fast" jet, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RZbaMSUCVo
I'm currently finishing up a JMP Firebird with an AMT Olympus. I will be breaking 300mph this year
#12
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
I don't expect miracles, but 160 would be nice at least. It's not going to put any chills down my spine, but it will be fun none the less
#13
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
ORIGINAL: HighPlains
You don't get much of a thrill from flying at 160 mph unless you are doing the entire flight at 20 feet AGL with three other airplanes wanting the same airspace and minimum distance. Otherwise you might as well fly a trainer.
I don't expect miracles, but 160 would be nice at least. It's not going to put any chills down my spine, but it will be fun none the less
No, you're quite correct there, but, at least it will be more exciting than 120 or 130 would be with a sport engine
I'll just fly it inverted at 20 feet above the ground for the entire flight since I don't have 3 other airplanes to fly with LOL
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
Hi!
Agree fully "High plains"!!
Any one can fly fast ..or inverted at no hight...but flying pylon racing in a tight coarse with three others are a different matter!
Agree fully "High plains"!!
Any one can fly fast ..or inverted at no hight...but flying pylon racing in a tight coarse with three others are a different matter!
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
"flying pylon racing in a tight coarse with three others are a different matter!"
It shouldn't be allowed because it's addictive Very addictive
Denis
It shouldn't be allowed because it's addictive Very addictive
Denis
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RE: Best engine for a Viper 500?
For me the best engine for that plane is the TT46. I tried the TT46, Rossi 53 and Jett 40 ... the TT is 'best' because the Viper is not that slick, its airframe has a lot of drag and its heavy. The Rossi was great but its heavy and the Viper is already a nose heavy plane. Using the Jett was to me a waste only. I used my TT46 to chase another Viper with a MVVS 40 that came with a mini tuned pipe, the TT46 was no slacker revving to over 16K for sure. I lost her but if I did not I doubt the TT46 would last.
Oh yeah ... the Viper firewall is weak if you are going to pull a lot of Gs ... it will delaminate. Best to really beef it up. The new batches of Vipers did not show any weakness at the tail area, so far we had a few and none had that problem yet.
Oh yeah ... the Viper firewall is weak if you are going to pull a lot of Gs ... it will delaminate. Best to really beef it up. The new batches of Vipers did not show any weakness at the tail area, so far we had a few and none had that problem yet.