more power for a Tower 40 trainer
 

Last season I soloed again after 35 yrs. with a Tower 40 high wing trainer. Had a OS 40 FP, then I changed to a OS46 LA. The FP struggled to get me into the air. The 46 LA had
fair power. I have a vintage OS 60 gold head with rear carb that I bought back in the mid 70s. I was thinking of using this on the 40 size trainer to give a little more zing. What do you think? It will be a bit heavier, how do you think it will handle? Just looking to use items that I have on hand.
I also fly a Goldberg Tiger with an OS 61fx and a Hobbico with an OS 65LA. Both have fair power and good trainer planes.

RE: more power for a Tower 40 trainer
 

I was given a trainer 40 with a 60 engine.

It flew well, although I was limited in ground clearance using a 12" propeller.

It took some weight by the tail to counterbalance the heavier engine, but not too much.

It wasn't specially fast, since trainers have some drag and also built-in decalage (wing-stab differential incidence for pitch self-stabilization).

RE: more power for a Tower 40 trainer
 

I have had several of the motors you mentioned in my Avistar trainer. The largest motor in it was the OS55AX & it was really fast at wide open throttle. Your Tower trainer will be fine with the older OS 60 gold head. Just use the throttle spareingly. I have several OS 60 goldheads & they are not as powerfull as the newer 55s.....Gene

RE: more power for a Tower 40 trainer
 

Since you are experienced should be fine.  Not for a student.

RE: more power for a Tower 40 trainer
 

In my tower trainer, I have a Magnum 52 4 stroke motor in it, and its the perfect fit for this trainer. I have an APC 11x7 prop on it, and there's more than enough power for this plane. Combine the power of the 4 stroke with the gas sipping motor, and you can have a good 15-20 min training flight, and no need to add extra weight on it either. All in all, a perfect fit for this trainer.

One minor thing to consider though.... you will have to re-drill the firewall and rotate the carb around to make this work, but its worth it.

Just my $.02 worth......