Well, I’ve been posting that I replaced the Fuji 43 with a DL 50 on my GP 27% Extra 330S ARF. The Fuji ran great and always started immediately, but after flying the model for a while (sport flying and a few IMAC contests in the Sportsman class), I came to the realization that I simply needed more power. The plane flies GREAT with the Fuji, but vertical up lines that include partial rolling maneuvers are not symmetrical—the second portion any vertical up line, after the roll, is not the same length as the portion before the roll—she just runs out of steam on the way up. Similarly, I have been practicing inside and outside knife-edge circles and I usually need full power just to make it all the way around—especially when I get to the down-wind portion of the maneuver.

So, I did some research (reading posts on RC Universe and Flying Giants) and found that there are many happy DL 50 owners out there. Like most of them, I too wanted to save some money over the DA 50 which, consensus is I believe, is the benchmark for spark-ignition engines of any size. And since just about all the guys at work already own DA’s, I just wanted to “expand my horizons” and try a different engine.

Below are some pics of my installation. I was disappointed that I had to cut away so much of the cowl, but I guess that’s the price you pay for horse power! (The Fuji fit so nicely.) I also included some templates for some of the parts I made. The carb arm is from 2mm carbon fiber. Just print out the page and cut approximately 1/4” around the template. Use spray adhesive to glue the template to the carbon fiber (or fiberglass) sheet. Drill the holes, then use a razor saw (or a metal-cutting band saw if you have one) to cut around the partbut leave a little for sanding to the perfected, final shape. Finish with medium-grit sandpaper (or a belt sander if you have one of those too!).

I made the choke mount from 1/16” plywood, but will probably make another from carbon fiber later. The holes in the template are precise, but the inner, curved edge is an approximation that you'll have to fit your self—start by cutting it oversize first, then use a Dremel with a small sanding drum to perfect the fit.

The templates should print out to the correct size, but make sure you are printing 1:1 and take measurements off your printout before doing any drilling or cutting.

Also, none of these parts/templates are endorsed or approved by DL or any of their distributors—I’m just a regular guy here sharing my ideas. As of the posting of these templates and photos, I have yet to even turned the prop on my new engine (but I ran all over town to get my Lawnboy Ashles after work tonight!), so there are no guarantees. (I guess that’s my disclaimer.)

Oops, sorry. Looks like I can't download the templates because they are saved as a PDF. Hmm, I'll try to figure something else out...

Oh yea, please excuse the Zinger prop. I have a Mejzlik 22 x 8 on ordershould be here tomorrow!

Guys, I can't download my templates in PDF format on this site, which would gurantee that they come out to the correct size. However, for reference, I attched them in jpg format, but they will not print out the correct size. If you want, PM me with your email address and I can email you the templates. That's the best I can think of for now.

Sorry guys, one last thing here; This just occurred to me and I felt obligated to let you know; as stated on the cover of the instruction manual, the largest spark-ignition (gas) engine recommended for this plane is 43cc. Therefore, if you use a larger engine (like I am now), I don't know if Great Planes is obligated anymore to honor any warranty claims (due to any damage caused by using "too large" of an engine). This model has been tested to unbelievable (unreasonable?) extremes. And personally, I believe the airframe is perfectly capable of handling a 50cc engine if it is flown "normally," (I didn't say "delicately," just "normally") and we all know lots of guys will be putting 50cc engines on them, but I didn't want the fact that I am using a 50cc engine to be an endorsement by Great PlanesI'm on my own here.