I have done a search and found a lengthy thread but still not sure of the info I read. My question is what engine does everyone recommend for the GP Lanceair ES? I'm thinking about getting a Saito 100 and mounting it inverted to save the cowl apearence. Speaking of which, is there any problems mounting this engine inverted. I have a Saito 82a now mounted sideways, but, I have no four strokes mounted inverted. Thanks in advance for everyone's opinion.

Hi Bill - I just finished putting my Lancair together a couple of months ago. I had a Saito 91 recently rebuilt sitting on the shelf, so I stuck it in there inverted. I also went with the Pitts muffler as well as a remote glow connector. It flys great with the 91 in it, and since the 91 and 100 are almost identical, I don't think you'll have any problems. I also went with a Sierra front strut, as you've probably already read about. That was the only problem I had as you can see from the pictures. There was not enough room to mount the Sierra strut on the firewall with the Pitts muffler in place. I solved that by installing the strut on the inside of the firewall. It flys great, climbs out very scale with more then enough power and is pretty fast as well. Ground handling with the front strut located where I put is great. It has plenty of suspension and have had no problem with it to date. If you'd like to look at a few other pictures of the engine mounted I have about 24 shots of it posted on my website, [link=http://groups.msn.com/PuttsRCHomePage/]Putts RC Home Page.[/link].

EDIT - I guess I'd also tell you that I haven't had the engine lock up due to fuel and being inverted. I have a Saito 150 in a AirTractor I built, also inverted, and have only had it hydro locked from fuel once in 3 years of flying it now. A few folks had warned me about it, but I guess maybe I've been lucky. Maybe someone else will chime in with any problems they have had along that line. I was also going to ask if you've done a search in the Scale Forum on the Lancair, quite a few threads there as well.

Hope this helps you in your decision and good luck.

Thanks for the valuable info. Greg. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would comment on this topic. I have done a search but the thread was in the Arf section I'll check the scale section today. I was worried about the hydrolock possibility, but after reading your response I feel better about it. I have about 10 models on 2 stroke but only have the one 4 stroke, "Saito FA82a". I must say I'm sold on these Saitos. I have several Magnum 2 strokes that I'm very happy with but don't know about their four's. Even though I prefer the Saito I found a Magnum 91 four stroke about $50 cheaper so I hav'nt completely ruled that one out. Do you have any opinions or comments concerning that possibility?

Hi Bill - Sorry I can't help you on the Magnum line. I'm one of those guys who finds a brand (Saito in this case) and just doesn't try much else. Almost all of my 2 strokes are O.S., everything from the 46's up to a 1.60. Good luck.

Gregg

I have had zero problems with my Saito .82a engines mounted inverted. Remote glow plug on both. Great engines. Can flip start them off the compression usually.

The first one I built and flew had the Saito 91 in it. I mounted it sideways and did have to cut the cowl slightly to clear the rocker covers. That plane and engine combo is a good one. The 1oo would do well on it. I was running a 13x8 APC.

The next three that I built had the 61 FX. The fourth was mine with a 12x6 APC. It doesn't pull quite as good as the 91, but still flies it well. People comment that the 61 2 stroke sounds more realistic than the 91 4 stroke. But the 4 stroker does sound good on it.

I prefer the 2 stroke with the Top Flite muffler over the 4 stroke install. But that is all personal preference.

Thanks for all the good info. guys. Although the Magnum is considerable cheaper I'll probably go with the Saito. The 82 that I presently own has spoiled me.