I've been out of the hobby for about 13 years, and am in the beginnings of a 1/4 scale BUSA L-4 build. While flying it after finishing is not in the plans, I figure I'll still build it as an airworthy model (hopefully it will become a display piece in a local museum), so I need an engine for it.

My experience with engines is mainly Saito and Zenoah; I notice Zenoah has changed quite a bit, and Saito has upgraded many of their engines. I want gas, not interested in glow or electric. I want plenty of power to turn a scale 18" propeller, and be able to run the engine at less than full power. In my mind, I'd rather have more than I need than marginal or not enough.

What I'm looking at is a Saito FG40 . Propeller range is 19x10 to 21x10, so it would be more than enough to turn an 18x6. There's also the FG30, but the max prop size is an 18x6, the one I plan to use. How would this one do on a Cub, that will be a tad heavier than usual (not sure just how much yet). There's $100 difference between them, I haven't compared physical size yet to see how well it will fit inside the cowl (it will be inverted, whichever engine I install).

What are the DLE engines like, in terms of reliability, power and weight? The 30cc DLE-35RA looks nice and will turn the prop well enough, and the price is half what the Saito is.

If money was no object at all, and it fit in a scale manner, I'd put an OS FF-320 Pegasus in it.

What is everyone with a 1/4 scale Cub using for power?