Hey guys,
Can't decide on the BME 50 or Tauras 52. I will be using it in a WM Extra 300 (81in span) and want to be able to do 3D. I'm sure both engines are capable of doing 3d but which one is the best in reliability, maintainability, and ease of installation. I believe they both weight about the same and same price. Any thoughts???

Thanks,
TJ

I dont know how much the taurus cost, but I gave $600 for my bme 50 which included a J&A pitts muffler. This is an awesome, very reliable, and light motor. Using a Moki 22x10 prop, and it loves it, getting 6700s running it rich still having less than a gallon of break in on it. Just my .02, but I would go with the BME, but either would be fine. Try the moki props, very pretty and very effecient.

if you can, try and wait for the new BME 55 extreme, its 1 lb lighter than ANY 40cc engine and the strongest

he has a good point on the 55, I got my 50 about 3 weeks ago, and asked about the 55, and would be first of the year at the soonest, possilby a tad longer.

Isn't this comparison a bit of a stretch... 1 lb. lighter than the ANY 40cc available.... The lightest 2.4ci gasser I am aware weighs 2lbs.- 8ozs. stripped.

FPE 2.4 2lbs.- 8ozs. stripped
ZDZ-40 2lbs.-13.76ozs. stripped
BME 50 2lbs.14.5ozs stripped.
Taurus TS-52 3lbs.-1oz.

I don't know the weight of BME-55 but a 30oz engine does'nt seem likely to me... Anyway a lighter engine is not all that IMO... There are many variables that may or may not make a lighter engine more desirable.

Why are there so many people suggesting this is the greatest engine ever, when they have yet to be released, know one has yet. Yes, I realize Keith makes good engines, but come on guys let's wait and see the numbers before we suggest how awesome they are... Hopefully we can expect this new Extreme 55 offers a marked improvement over previous examples, otherwise it's just another good engine.

I'd go with the Taurus 3.2/52cc engine. I've yet to see an engine that out performed one on an even playing field. These are the smoothest running most powerful engines with the most incredible transition you'll ever see run, IMO... And you can get one NOW...

Thanks for all the advice.!!! Can't wait til after the first of the year. I guess I will be going with the Tauras.
Where to you go to order the Tauras. Everytime I ask about this engine to order, nobody has ever heard of it. Where do I go to order???

Thanks again guys, you have been a great help

the BME 55 RTF, with ignition, battery, the whole noodle, is suppose to weigh in at 2 lbs 2-4 ounces! with everything

I also think that the weight savings is huge, usually everyone has one MAJOR con about gas engines, and thats that there heavy... this new engine could be huge on the market. It would have the lightness of a glow engine, the torque of a gasser and the power, and the fuel economy... now we just have to wait and see the results, but i dont think we'll be disappointed

This figure is unrealistic. Think about it... A YS 120 weighs 32 ozs. or 2lbs. and is considerably smaller...

C&H Ignition weighs 3.7ozs.
Sparkplug weighs 1.4ozs.
Down tube exhaust deflector typically weighs 6ozs.
H9's aluminum engine mount weighs 5.75ozs.
Battery and switch typically 4-5ozs.

All this is close to 22ozs. or 1lb.-6oz. Not much left for the reciprocating assembly, crankcase, cylinder and bearings...

Most likely the BME 55 Extreme weighs 2lbs. 2-4ozs. stripped.

nope, let me find the site and ill show you

this isnt the link for the 55, but this is there new 110, which is basically 2 55s stuck together...http://www.bmeengine.com/new/extreme.htm

I am familiar with the link for the 110 Extreme engine, 3lbs.-12.8ozs is lite for a 100 twin... The previous model which was essentially the same engine weighed 4lbs.-8ozs.. On another sheet on BME's site I noted it stated the 55 would weigh in @ a sub-2lbs.

I stand by my assertion on the 55's guesstimated weight... I just can't fathom it being much lighter than the "50".

Another vote for the Taurus. I have owned the BME 44--good engine. I also own a Taurus 42--GREAT ENGINE. I also own the 52. Same great running engine in a bigger size. Is the Taurus heavier--yes-but extra bearings (and a sturdy mount included) and quality come at a price. I agree with Mcglavin. Nothing ticks me off more than proclaiming the greatest engine ever-wheather it be BME or DA-(while nobody has ever seen or touched one) Let the engine build a reputation, then let's talk about how great it is. The day I find an engine that is better than a Taurus, I'll start talking about it.

Where can I order the Taurus????

Taurus Engines - Bill Oberdieck....nice guy, great service, and stands behind his product 1000%....T-52 with a Pitts muffler will be around $659, if I recall. Call him...some info on this site;
http://www.taurus-engines.net/

Regards the comparisons of motors....I've owned the ZDZ 40, the ZDZ 50, and the Taurus 52.
For lightest weight power - the ZDZ 50
For SMOOTHEST power, and most cost - Taurus 52

If you have not ever seen, or operated a Taurus, then you can't voice a valid perspective on how incredible the carburetion and transition is on this motor. It's amazing.

My ZDZ 50 is darn close. Nearly the same in power, I think, although it isn't fair to say because I've not run both side by side, although I have the Taurus in my Pitts, and the ZDZ 50 in my Wagstaff Extra.

I know nothing of the BME, or the DA, because I have no personal experience. But I *can* tell you my experience with the Taurus and ZDZ. Either would be a great choice!

Is one "better"....well...depends on which kind of car is "better" to you....

Call Bill at Southgate Aero--734-283-4813. Tell him Andrew sent you :>)

TJ - when you call Bill, tell him Michael, Andrew, and BOB, sent you!!

Thanks for the info. I will ensure I tell Bill you all said HI!!

So Bob, do ya remember me?

TJ

Hey Aerobob

Sometime this winter when it's raining and snowing and you have a bad case of nothing to do, you should try the carb off your Taurus on the ZDZ. Wonder if Bill will sell his modified carbs separately?

flipflop - "modified carbs" - Whazzat??? Bill works the carbs for his motors?????? SOMEBODY tell me it ain't SO !!!!

(Great idea, BTW)

Say Aerobob:
If you ever get the time, try the same prop on the Taurus and ZDZ-50. It would be great to have a direct comparison of rpm. Also let us know what mufflers are used. We don't get to see any Taurus motors around here.

diablo - that is EXACTLY my intent. The ZDZ and the Taurus I have now have equal time. About 3 hours....It will be VERY easy to run both....they use the same gas, and have similar mixture/muffler setups...and the same prop...

I will post that info when I do it....

Although all it will show is what MY two motors do, with my prop, my gas, ya da ya da ya da.....

"Facts", as we know them, are only known to the witness, then they are the result of filters of perception from the witness.

That's why we have juries.....

Oh yes--I do believe it is so! Let me see if I can explain why I love these engines so much. There are many engines that will turn the RPMs at top end. In this way, there is nothing special about the Taurus. However, I enjoy aerobatic planes that fly more to scale, and this is where the Taurus excells.
It is not RPMs--but "wind under the wing"--example--many engines turn high RPMs and to get responsive controls they get "wind under the wing" by pulling the plane thru the air at high speeds. THIS AS FINE IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT! The Taurus will spin a bigger prop at a lower RPM (with authority)--what you get is a slower aiprpane that is just as responsive-hence you get more time between horizions. So many times at the field, I have flying buddies that tell me my plane is overproped. I will turn 1000-1500 RPMs less. But I will pull a verticle line with my Pitts going stright up--doing snaps along the way--and they can not understand it. Sort of like a tractor effect--not fast--but it pulls forever. So many people will try the same thing with a G62 or so-and yes it will also pull a somewhat bigger prop--but them you get into vibration problems and a serious lack of throttle "response"--or you have a lag or it is just slow to turn up. On my Taurus engines you can literlly see the prop arch through the whole flight. Hope I did not confuse anybody. I attached a picture of my Pitts with the 3.2--notice how much of the front of the plane is covered by the prop--It pulls forever