ORIGINAL: bryris
Also, I am completely new to electric flight. What combination of items would I need to convert this EP-42 to a brushless system? This thing is built a bit heavy as I have HS-81 servos instead of of HS-55, and a Hitec 555 receiver in it, plus the wing is covered with Ultracote instead of the stock covering as I accidently messed up the original. I am thinking the stock brushed motor may barely pull it through the air.
Start with the weight of your plane.
What does it weight now, with the batteries, motor, etc. installed as if were ready to fly.
You can then select the performance you expect, e.g. slow and scale like, sport, aerobatic, etc.
Multiply the weight in pounds by the performance factor.... and you get the wattage requirements for the motor, which narrows down your prop/motor choice...
e.g. assuming a 140 watts/lb performance level...
1.84lbs x 140 watts = 258 watts required from the motor, let's round up to 300 watts.
Assuming 11.1v LiPo packs....
300 watts / 11.1v = 27A current draw fromt he ESC, so let's allow for overhead... a 30A ESC will do.
20C 1800 mAh LiPo packs can sustain 36A draw, but do better around 30A...
So assuming my starting weight, look for a motor capable of 300 watts ~ 27 A, a 30A ESC, 20C 1800mAh LiPo pack, and a prop that causes the motor to produce about 300 watts.
These are very rough figures, but show how you can start to piece things out.