Last year I built a small F-18 pusher from Model Airplanes news plans. The plans call for a .25 mounted in a pusher configuration. I had a new Mecoa .28 wildcat sitting in the box, so I installed it. It is mounted in a vertical orientation, with the case taped, hooked up to a Perry pump. The fuel tank in on the CG. The engine runs rock solid in all orientations due to the pump. However, the peformance just plain sucks. I'm very disappointed. By the way, I run 15% nitro fuel, so with the pump, I think we can rule out the crummy performance is caused by fuel. Oh, I also have an exhaust diverter installed so the muffler isn't getting the full ram air effect when in flight. I know a pipe will help, but will it change it to a neck snapping missile?

In a similar post, I got a response that I should take the Mecoa and launch it in a lake, or turn it into a paperweight. I can't remember the exact phrase. The writer indicated that he has never had any stellar performance from a Mecoa engine. Is it junk? I think he may be correct.

So, having said that, I need a new engine. I want supersonic perfomance, but I'm not ready to deal with making this thing balance if I install a .60 on the tail. I want to keep the displacement close to what I have now so I'm dealing with huge weight issues. Any suggestions on an engine that weighs similar to a .25 and really puts out the power?

Thanks in advance!