ORIGINAL: Sarge1947
I need an engine for a S.P.A.D. Flyer airplane, all corro and plastic, 4ch. 52in. wing.
Directions say .40 2 stroke minimum.
I will only get a 4 stroke.
Without doing any mods, how big of a 4s can I use?
Funds will make me buy a used engine. After reading tons of posts about Magnums, I will stay away from them. It would be just my luck to get one of the bad ones.
Now, please make reccommendations on engine make and size along with best place to start hunting.
Thanks a Bunch,
Sarge
For a 4 stroke, a 52 - 60 size is ABOUT the same as a 40 - 46 2 stroke for power ans speed. I would suggest a 72 (or a little larger) ( A Saito 82 is the same size and LIGHTER than a 72) for your Spad. Yes, it will be "overpowered", but that is why there is a throttle on the transmitter.
As for brands, I have an OS 52, Saito 72 and Saito 82. All 3 run great and I haven't had a bit of trouble from any of them.
I know that Saito (#1) and OS (#2, but very close to #1) are "THE STANDARDS" for 4 strokes. There are very good reasons for that - dependability, performance and ease of use.
By aware that until a 4 stroke is broken in (which MAY take as much as a gallon of fuel ) they are fuel hogs. Once broken in though, they are misers. I can run my OS 46 FX about 10 - 12 minutes on a 10 oz tank. My Saito 72 runs 10 - 12 minutes on a 6 oz tank.
The majority of brands are very good. Please remember that ANY mechanical device can be bad. There have been Rolls Royces that have been lemons. If you are unsure of a brand, I suggest staying with the "standards" until you become more familiar with 4 strokes. As for where to shop, that is a matter of choice. I have read good things about Cheif Aircraft, Horizon and several other online stores. If price is a major concern, perhaps a Magnum or used engine may be the answer. Just be cautious when buying a used engine you have never seen or heard run. Personally, I will not pay over 60% of the new price for a used engine.