Michael, you're my hero. Thanks for the great info.

I just went through a very similar quandary trying to figure out whether to go with a MVVS 58 or 45MG in my 87" Yak....but the decision factor was different than Steve's because I did want 3d capability. BTW, there were other engines out there that would also be good options, specifically, as most people know, I'm a devout Taurus follower, but I also like to experiment with things on the bleeding edge, so I wanted to try out the MVVS's.

I went ahead and bought a 58, with the primary decision factor being flexibility. Like Steve, I can only have one plane at a time, and I like to swap planes a lot, so I wanted an engine that left me with the most options. I figured that was the 58, and boy did I want to try out that engine which would give the Yak obscene power, but the sane side of me prevailed, and when I found out the plane was going to be approaching 19lbs with the 58 instead of the 16.5 I had planned on, the 58 went on the block and I bought the 45. I only have 1.5 hours on the engine, but it has performed perfectly and has had plenty of power, even though I haven't leaned it down from factory settings yet(hopefully this weekend).

Ok, with all that said(sorry for the rambling, but I tend to do that a lot ), a couple of observations for you guys wanting a light gas engine. The 45MG is light, but you already knew that, but on the downside, for a smaller plane anyway, it is designed to run big props. I have a 24X8 on it now and I'm putting the recommended 24X10 Mejzlik on this weekend to test it out. That doesn't mean it wouldn't perform well with a 22X8 or 10, but it probably wouldn't be optimum. The HP peak is at approx 7200 RPM, so the engine should run well in the range with a 22X8 or 10, but the torque peak is down at 6,000, which is why it can turn such big props for its size.

The 45 weighs exactly what is advertised: 3lbs 4oz with everything(2 prop washers, prop bolts(3 - BTW, I don't use them), nut(I use 2), plug, ignition, and exhaust gasket and bolts) except the muffler. My canister and header are 12 oz, but as mentioned you can get down in the 7oz range with a light choker...err, I mean muffler. Reportedly, the ZDZ60 Bisson muffler will work for it. I have no idea how much it weighs.

No surprise, but I'd go with the Taurus 2.6 or 3.2, or the MVVS, but if service is a big factor, then the choice is even easier: Taurus.