I'd sure like to drop that extra long engine head down the firewall (and the thrustline) about a 1/2" to 1" lower so it doesn't protrude so far above the fuse. It realy sticks way out. This is an oversized Astro Hog I'm building ( 89" wing)at 18 lbs. I want to preserve the original nostalgiac looks of having a cylinder head sticking up above the fuse, and so I don't want to invert the engine and remove the head completely. But a Moki 2.10 is real tall and quite higher then the original 60 sized engines that the original 71"wing plane was designed with. Will lowereing the engine off of the thrust line change flying performance?

My only concern would be reduced prop clearance during takeoff and landing.


A tad less downthrust may be required for a perfect setup.

Well the engine is mounted at 0 incedence. I imagine I shoud just leave it at that. Hmmmm.... but prop clearance? Glad you mentioned that before I started bending the gear into shape. I was plum overlooking into checking that whether I lowered the engine or not!

Do you not like the idea of mounting the engine inverted? Looks better, lowers the cg a bit which doesn't hurt, keeps the same thrust, simplifies placement of fuel tank, puts the exhaust in a better position (or go for a BCM Pitts muffler for a real good looking front end--in fact you could probably get a Pitts for either side mounting or inverted mount, take your pick). I have never seen a two-cycle glow that would not start inverted, although some like to turn them over on their backs in a cradle to start, then turn upright once the engine is running well.

Like I said; I realy want to keep this plane nostalgic and looking somewhat like what the traditional Astro Hog looks like. It's going to have the red silk covering, and white lightening bolts, etc. Closing off the top of the fuse with no engine head at all would be radically parting ways.Thanks for the suggestion though.