I'm looking for advice from all you seasoned RC pilots out there.

I'm planning on getting the World Models T34 Mentor because I've heard it is a great low wing trainer that offers basic aerobatics. My dilema is what engine do I use? Basicaly I don't need a barn storm'in speed demon, I want something that will give me good flight performance with the abilty to do basic aerobatics and pull myself out of trouble if the need arises. The engines I am looking at are:

Megatech M46 with 1.47 hp @ 16,200 rpm
Thunder Tiger GP-42 with 1.10 hp @ 16,000 rpm
Thunder Tiger PRO-46 with 1.43hp @ 16,000 rpm
O.S. 40LA with 1.0 HP at 15,000 RPM
O.S. 46LA with 1.2 BHP at 15,000 RPM

I would like to keep the cost of this plane down so I would like to spend as little as possible. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks everyone.

The Thunder Tiger Pro 46 is by far the best engine you listed
Then the Magatech 46
LA46
GP42
LA40

Buy the one you get the best deal on but keep in mind the above ranking?

Enjoy,

Jim

Out of your list, the 46pro is every bit as powerful and reliable as the OS 46fx/Ax. This is not from hearsay but from using them. Also you can add to your list the Supertiger 45 is very good. The 40 La is a definitely not! Also keep in mind that those numbers you posted are only numbers and can change with the prop type, your altitude and load level of the plane.

I have had this plane for about a year, started with 46 ax then a super tiger 51 with a 11-7 prop flys great and the st-51 is ringed and cost @70 bucks depending where you get it.

good flying

Figures don't lie.... But lier's figure. Those horsepower figures are just some numbers they pulled from the air? The 40 LA wouldn't turn 15,000 without a prop. Even the best engine on there, Thunder Tiger 46, with the least practical prop for sport flying, 10-6, will turn less than 14,000

I can also assure you that the Thunder Tiger 46 is a lot more engine than the Megatek 46 any day even though the firgures you have show differently.

Enjoy,

Jim

Go with the OS Max 46ax. You will love that engine. Just remember not to break it in the conventional way.

Those figures are also pulled from other areas too!

[quote]ORIGINAL: w8ye

Figures don't lie.... But lier's figure. Those horsepower figures are just some numbers they pulled from the air?

Super Tigers put out decent power but can be finicky to adjust for a lot of flyers. Thunder Tigers and OS engines are easy to adjust. The OS AX and the FX series are great engines but pricy, the LA series are cheap but the Thnder Tigers put out better power for the price. For the best value I would go for the Thunder Tiger. Other brands in the price range aren't worth bothering about. [8D]

I have a brand new O.S. 46AX still in the box waiting for my first trainer (CG Falcon56 Mk2) to be built. What do you mean not to break it in the conventional way? I was planning on doing it per the instructions - is this wrong?

The "conventional" way to break in engines is sloppy rich. This worked for years, and still works for some engines. However, if the engine is an ABC, or "ABC like", the conventional break in method will not allow the engine to get hot enough. This will create too much wear between the piston and liner and you'll end up with no compression.

what about a 70 fourstroke? if you can afford it... a Saito 82 or a O.S. Surpass 70 II would be nice. give you "not blazing speed" but sweet torque and sound.

OK , since someone opened the door to 4 strokes, I can tell you my World Mentor is powered by a 6 year old Saito 50. This plane is terriffic and will not disapoint you. I call It the "Goverment Mule" because thats how hard I have worked it over the past 3 years. I can fly it in mild 5-10 mph winds eaisly and most anywhere theres enough landing area. So, IF you can get your hands on a nice little Saito you will love the power and sound.

Just wanted to mention as an alternate option to 2 strokes.

Have fun with your new plane!!!

Bill

Sorry I didn't see that "keep the costs down" part. Then I would also recommend the Thunder Tiger PRO. Pro is the only way to go since the bearings do make a significant difference. The O.S.'s are okay but I would still recommend getting a ball bearing engine. It will last much longer. Naturally there will be those that say they have used their bushing engines forever but I still say, bearing better.