ORIGINAL: OsiViper
l am going to be getting an RC8T soon and im debating between keeping it nitro or converting it to electric.
I was reading that people have to replace nitro engines after only 5 or so gallons. it seems like for a $200-$400 engine that it should last longer than that.
while i dont like having to carry around a lot of batteries it seems like it would be cheaper going electric so i dont have to replace engines every few gallons.
While an engine should last you 8 gallons, electric will be cheaper.
A decent engine with matching pipe will be ~ 250 at minimum, or the same price as a MMM combo. Plus clutch shoes, plugs, glow equipment, an extra servo for throttle. Not to mention it's probably necessary to replace one rod/bearing during those 8 gallons.
Fuel is 250 for 2 cases of 30%, which would be the same or less or a 3-4 batteries. Just get them from HK/ etc, with exception of Enerland - FLightpower/Trakpower, and Kokam(both Korean) everything for our applications are made in China. The companies here just slap a sticker on it. While they do pay marketing/ some warranty costs + QA, they do not pay any R & D costs.
Runtime wise if you go 6s with a low KV motor (1300-1500) you will still get ballistic speeds and crazy runtimes with just 2-3 batteries. If you have 3-4 batteries and field charger you can almost run indefinitely.
Hard part is deciding if you want the more power/quietness from electric or the smoke sounds/ of nitro