Ben

How do you define ugly?? What are you comparing ugly to? What is a good looking gasser in your mind? This is a first for me an UGLY Taurus Engine.... Everyone that has had there hands on one has commented on the craftsmanship and detail...

I'll have to get in line with Diablo on the loaded question summation... You do need some specific criteria to make comparison'c. Some of the manufacturer's only offer a few engines while others have one of nearly every size desired.

I happen to be a proponent of Taurus Engines, I have several of them. I like them all. I also own and have owned all you mentioned, I have also tried nearly every available gas engine at one time or another even the ZDZ's.

Currently the most powerful 40cc engine offered is the Taurus TS-42. Typical 42's turn Zinger's 22/8's @ 7200rpm with a stock exhaust system. All this power in a light-weight package that is second to none in power, transition and nearly no vibration.

As mentioned Taurus does use an industrial cylinder and piston assembly. Taurus manufacture's there own proprietary lower end.

I don't think there is a grand difference in the science or technology that an international industrial manufacturer with billions of dollars invested in the industry can utilize as compared to small one off companies that develop engine's for a very small cross section of user's. Cost, weight, performance and availability are most likely the commanding pre-requisites. Certainly engine builders can and do choose the components that best suit there wants and need's. They are not limited to anything specific, as they pick and choose the best component for the job.

That said if ZDZ could develop a 40/50cc engine that was more powerful, that exhibited the transition, idle and lack there-of vibration in a package that weighed substantially less, I would agree the purpose built components offered something more. As it stands to get close to a Taurus 2.6/42cc engine you have to use a tuned exhaust system complete with header and the associated components. More cost, weight and space required. I find nothing wrong with this approach, quiet models are the future of mode aviation.

Same goes for the new DA-50, the current performance numbers I have seen offered by DA are good but not better than a comparable Taurus Engine. Weight is comparable as well. Where is the advantage to these purpose built components.

The new BME Extreme purpose built component engines maybe excellent engines, time will tale.