ORIGINAL: combatpigg
No, you don't have to modify an engine to see real world gains above the advertised red line. The FOX .36 Combat Special is an excellent case in point. They were rated for 18,000 rpm......only losers ran them this way, most competitors ran them above 20,000 rpm, no mods were needed, just drop down in prop size and fly models capable of exploiting the bonus rpm. If you fly nothing but lead sleds, you will never realize the gains..
I wonder if there is any issue more contentious on RCU forums than prop selection and engine powerbands!
Well, perhaps - bring torque versus power into the discussion, then stand back and let the arguments fly!
In summary all I was trying to suggest to BBJ is that he might have some more horsepower available if he considers bringing up the rpm versus loading the engine to the same general level by matching load factors. Which to most is hardly startling news.
MJD