Hey everyone, i, like many people often wonder whether the price difference in engine's nowdays reflects their actual OVERALL VALUE (in regards to all aspects, i.e. price, weight, power, finish quality etc.). I am currently looking at buying my first four stroke, and like many people are finding it hard to get enough accurate information as to which brand to chose. I guess its commonly known OS and Saito are probably the top two, but how much difference is there between them and say Magnum and Thundertiger? Well i thought i'd post a poll that can stay up and hopefully many people will get some good insight from peoples experience with each brand as to what they recomend from this experience to be a good option.

You forgot YS.

Another comment, any one of the brands may be "worth buying". It really depends on your needs and priorities. If my budget was unlimited, I'd go with YS. Next I'd probably choose Saito because they are lighter than OS. After that would be OS for quality and reputation. However, in the real world, for most of us who have a budget, and Magnum and Thunder Tiger represent good values.

Good points there, i'll modify the post.

I've had an OS four stroke for years, old 48 Surpass. I have also been flying plenty of Magnum FS engines. I just bought my first Saito but haven't gotten it in the air yet due to weather.

I don't have a problem with the Magnum engines. I have always been able to get them to fire right up and they have a good idle and smooth transition. I would say the only down side to Magnum is setting them up. I had a little trouble getting them setup until I had someone show me how to set the low end. It seems Magnums weren't set on the low end like OS engines out of the box. After I get the low end set they are great engines. I have five Magnum FS now, I wouldn't buy them if they gave me troubles.

Results have been great!! Good to see what you guys think, and i'm sure this will show people in a good direction when they ask the same questions i have been asking. Although keeping in mind, the results and oppinions given are based on the budget people have to be able to afford a particular engine/brand to start with. Thanks everyone, keep posting! James.

Enya.

I fly with three of the four-stroke brands listed, OS, Saito, and Magnum, and one not listed, ASP. I purchased all the engines used, most already installled in a model, so I have no experience with the break-in requirements of any. THE OS and Saito are more powerful (for their displaement). All start easily, idle well and run reliably within their power/prop ranges.

IMHO, one should consider the model's power requirements and the engine's power/weight ratio, as well as the cost factor when selecting any engine.

Well, I have 3 of the brands on the poll and really dont have a preference.
They all run great.
2 Saitos, one NIB one barely broken in not used as yet but going on a Twinstar.
2 OS, one .52, one .70 Surpass II both run great.
1 Magnum .91, probably runs the best of all of em.

Hello; I have been using four strokes since '91, OS, Saito, Enya Laser HP, and have observed Magnum, ASP, Thunder tiger, and others. I prefer Saitos, but they all can be made to work just fine. Some will last longer some give more power, but they all work. It depends on how much you feel like spending, I suppose. I have an old Saito 45 that has had countless gallons through it with no attention, totally trouble free. I also have an old OS 90 4S that has served just as well for nearly as long. The more modern engines are even better.

I just bought a Magnum .91fs from tower for 149.99$ and they have web coupons for 10$ of 149.99 or 15$ of 150-174.99$ etc. Turns a 14x6 prop at 10200 on 15% omega with 2% castor.Hows that compare to OS and Saito?

edit:That was 2% added castor to the 18% oil content in the omega fuel. 20% total oil content.[&:]

Don't know any Saitos or OS engines that will run for very long on 2% castor.....


Andy

I think he meant 20%... well i hope anyway [X(]

I'd have to go with the Saito's. I have two Saito's (72 & 82) and one OS 70. I love both brands but the OS's are heavier and so far I haven't had any trouble with either type so - Saito being lighter, I prefer them.

i would have to go with ys as I have had os and saito, and magnum also, none compare to the ys, i have probably about 200 or more flights on this engine and i have only had 2 dead stick lanings, both times i ran out of fuel. the power is awsome also, i have the 120fz and its more power than the saito 150 i have flown. It cost more than the others but definatly worth it.

Yes, the price diffference does reflect the engine's actual overall value to some extent. In most cases, engines made in Japan look better internally and have better finish quality than engines made in China. Also, engines made in China tend to be heavier and require longer break in time.

It all boils down to the application and whether or not you need nose weight or tail weight. If you plan to putt around the sky in a Cub, then any cheap 4-stroke would do. On the other hand, if you plan to do extreme 3D or burn a hole in the sky, then no other 4-strokes can beat the throttle response and power of a YS.

Since I only fly warbirds, the choice is easy: YS.

I'm pretty happy with my YS's as well, I'm considering going exclusively YS for all my planes.. they are worth the extra money IMHO..

Yes, YS are worth every single penny IMHO. I now only have a single 4-stroke that is not a YS.

I love YS also, but I wouldn't recommend them as your first 4-stroke, you'll get too spoiled too quickly, and while they are no more difficult that any other, they ARE a little more complicated, so I would just avoid them the first time out.

I also have no experience with Magnum, ASP, or TT, and I haven't used an Enya in many years, so that leaves my experience with OS and Saito. Of the two, I prefer OS, But it's a Ford/Chevy thing

I'm still waiting to get that Saito in the air, should be able to this weekend.

I have noticed from bench running that it puts out a lot of residue from the bottom vent. I thought something was wrong with the engine but was told this is normal for Saito. I'm not sure how I'm going to like all that crap on my plane when I fly. [:'(] I don't get much if anything at all out of the OS or Magnums I fly.

So maybe you should consider the clean-up as well in your selection process.

ME, I'm leaning away from the mess; but I still have to fly it before I make judgement.