ORIGINAL: tIANci
G'day mate! Just get a Thunder Tiger Pro 46, its tried and tested and it lasts as long as you don't abuse with it. Tuning her is easy as she is not all that fussy. The OS 46AX is nice too but costs a little more. On a cheaper note, the ASP46 or 52 is a good engine and here its 35% cheaper than a TT46. Used her and she is sweet.
I can't argue. It gives a lot more ooomph than a .40, not necessarily a need in a trainer (especially with a flat wing). I bought one in 2002 and it has outlived three former airframes, flown in every month of the year (not bad in NY!) and is currently doing hard time in a Goldberg Hot Stik. I crashed it hard and sent it back to the U.S. service team asking if anything could be done and they sent it back with a new piston and sleeve. I crashed it again and stripped the needle post threads on the carb and swapped the carb for a Perry. That added 10% to an already hot engine.
I'm VERY pleased with my TT Pro-46