Hey All,

I am at a dead stop on trying to decide an engine for my GP Christen Eagle. So far I have looked at the Fuji 50, Zenoah 45, US Engines 41cc, DA-50 and the OS 300 Twin. I want an engine that I can completely conceal inside the cowl and one that will work for smoke. I had heard that you need an extra battery for the gas engines for the ignition. I am concerned about the extra weight of the engine battery if I also want to put in a smoke pump, that too will require a battery. Does anyone have any experience with any of these set-ups? It is cold and rainy today and I have nothing to do today except go buy an engine! Please help me end this insanity!!!!!!!!

Hi Jimmy-- I have owned the GP Pitts and almost all of the engines you have asked about. My first choice is the DA50 and my second is a Taurus 3.2 -- RC Ignition G62 and Brison 3.2 a very close third at a lower price. The Brison and G62 is already tapped for smoke with a B&B system that makes the best smoke for the lowest cost. This is a performance aircraft that deserves a performance engine. The extra weight of the battery is far less than the weight of the magneto ignitions of the G45, US41, Fugi 50 and the OS 300's fuel consumption. Just my opinion of course.

I have the CE with a DA-50. Needless to say, if you go with gas then the motor is going to slightly stick out the bottom. But gas is $2 a gallon. The bird weighs #18 and flies great. I am running Duralites also.

Jimmy, I have the Pitts version of this airplane with a DA-50. I ordered a Pitts style smoke muffler from DA when I ordered the engine. Using a Simple Smoke system and yes it does require an additional battery and switch. I have three switches and 3 batteries total. Mine weighs between 17 and 18 lbs dry. There are newer smoke systems on the market and B&B, as mentioned, does have a smoke system that requires no pump or battery. I have seen this one work and it works well.