Just wanted to know if I just cut the engine cowl so that the muffler is outside of it, or do I need to buy a special muffler? I have a Pica Cessna 182 1/6 scale. I have a .40 I was going to use on it, but is there any other suggestions for a better engine? Thanks everybody!!!

Once you decide on an engine for the plane (my recommendation is to go with the largest capacity engine that falls inside the recommended range), you will have to decide whether to cut the cowl or try to get another muffler.

In reality, it is a cost/benefit decision. If you want to re-create a scale-like look, then you want to try to get the muffler inside the cowl, so a pitts style muffler, or something similar will have to be used. If you are content with having the muffler outside the cowl, then you will have to cut it.

Regardless, you will have to do a fair amount of cutting to ensure that there is adequate airflow over the engine for cooling. A general rule of thumb is that for .40 size planes you need about 1sq-inch of air inlet area at the front of the cowl, and twice as much for the air out-flow.

gus

I would say that a 40 in that plane is not nearly enough. I have the 1/5 scale kit and am going to put a 90 in it. My suggestion would be a decent 60-61. As far as hanging the muffler in the breeze. If you can live with the looks go ahaead. i would side mount the engine. I believe the head will stick out. If so this would allow good cooling for the engine. I would also install a good pitts style muffler designed for the engine. You will also still need the airflow to cool the muffler inside the cowel. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the kit.

Mark Shuman