Ryan:
ORIGINAL: Ryan Smith
Because there are so many 1.70's out there in the world, it makes sense to offer a kit so people don't have to buy an entirely new motor.
I am in Tokyo, Japan today (April 15th) and I walked into a hobby shop. Guess what: YS just released the "official" YS DZ 170 CDI here in Japan. This version has the CDI preinstalled - no need to purchase the engine and CDI kit separately.
I bought one: the price here in Tokyo is 85,680 Yen, which equates to about $850 at today's rates. The engine *includes* a full YS Mount as well. My previous engine cost be $700 (engine) + $240 (CDI Kit). So, at $850, its a deal since the YS 170 mount is itself about $75 if purchased separately.
I had a Japanese buddy read and translate the instructions from the manual informally: YS recommends "0-30% nitro". I.e. the OFFICIAL word is that the engine will run on Zero Nitro, which should make it great even for non-pattern users (such as I, though I soon hope to be a pattern flyer as well). YS recommends 5% to 25% oil - a wide range.
Based on fuel costs alone, the DZ 170 CDI is a deal: one can make up the price against a YS110S over 150 to 200 flights. At a normal 6 flights every 2 days, that's a deal.
If anyone on this forum wishes, I can post the details of the shop I got the engine from. They seemed to have 4 more in stock. I'm sure they will ship to the U.S. though I have not checked. I will check tomorrow anyhow and keep all of you posted.
Just to be sure, I got 5 spare plugs as well: expensive here in Tokyo - about $16/plug (!).
atul