Now this post was a shocker to read! I will defend the O.S LA .40 and say that these are probally one of the most dependable engines on the market. They are not real powerhouses, but I don't think anyone looking for a good sport engine buys the LA anyway. These engines are best for Trainers where dependabillity is a must for new pilots. I have an O.S .40 La on an old Trainer Plane. It has many flights on it, and not one single flame out believe it or not. You can't hardly compare a .40 size ABC Bushing Motor against something like a O.S .40FX. Totally different engines with a totally different Price Tag. I have seen some serious crashes with the L.A .40 and these little engines are pretty hard to kill in my opinion. There are other engines within the same class as the LA that are a little cheaper like the Thunder Tiger GP42, which is also a pretty dependable little bushing motor, but even the LA at $55-$60 is a pretty good deal on an engine that may not be real powerful, but dependable if set right. Maybe I am wrong here, so I would be real interested to hear what others have to say about the O.S LA .40.
ORIGINAL: britbrat
I would include the OS .40 LA -- not that it is a really bad engine, but it is gutless & much too expensive for what you get. The .46 LA is the same size & weight ,but noticeably more powerfull & is only a bit more costly (although it too is not really much of a bargain).