I was looking at the sig Avistar engines [link=http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/MainMenuFV4.html?E+Sig]avistar[/link] I am looking for an affordable engine for a Sig Kougar tha I picked up, I was looking at the Avistar or a magnum, or Super Tiger. I would love an OS but I don't think that will happen.

Any recomendation for engine brand and size?

Thanks

Jon

I think you will find a lot of info concerning the Aviastar engines in this thread. Other than a few early carb issues most people have had good luck with them.

[link=http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200518123]Aviastar .46[/link] here is a good price if you decide on the aviastar.

OK I have each of these engines, a Super Tigre .45 a Magnum .46 and a tower hobbies (actually gms) .46, that is the engine size I would put on that plane, that being said, the smoothest running pop right off no worries engine out of the 3 is the tower. The magnum runs a very close second, it is not as strong and needs a tad more tinkering. The ST is absolutely the strongest out of the 3 but it needs tuned almost every time the plane goes up on any given day. I have a couple of other .46 engines an OS .46 fxi from my brothers nextstar crash, it is no stronger then the tiger, way less hassle tho. ANY of em are good engines. I have a mecoa .46 that is comparable to any of them also, in the same price range

Thanks,

I did not get a link about Avistar engines, I tried searching, but did not have much luck. EDIT, it helps if I spell the engine right

Aviastar is the proper way to spell it

Jon

That would be in the glow engines forum.

i second that
get a gms .47 or a tower .46 (the gms .47 is cheaper and will be plenty of engine for that plane)
i have a gms .47 and a gms .32 both run really well

mine runs like a champ!

Hey Jon,
You should have my PM. The .53 that I broke in on the bench to put in my soon-to-be completed 4* is a great runner. This thing has some serious power. I think like Jeffie said, they had some issues up front with carbs of the wrong size going out with engines, but I think they got those taken care of. One thing I like is that even if it is made in China, you have an american company like Sig standing behind it.
Regards,
Curtis
P.S. The price isn't bad either.

I just broke in and flew a new Magnum XLS .46A on a Phoenix Dolphin ARF yesterday. It was a terrific out-of-the-box experience and the engine fired up easily the very first time, was spinning a 10x8 APC prop at 12,200 rpms on the very first break-in tank, and was idling reliably right out of the box. I put 3 flights on it after a single break-in tank on the ground and the engine performed flawlessly.

I've had very good experiences with Super Tigre engines as well, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy a GS-45 ABC either. As powerful, reliable, and easy to tune as my Super Tigre engines have been, I'm surprised that a lot more pilots aren't flying these at my clubs.

My GMS .47 took a little while to break in, but was very powerful and reliable after the first six tanks or so. My GMS engine had a tendancy for cylinder head bolts to work loose after a while. In my experience, GMS engines require a little more dilligence with regard to maintenence; I'd buy another one for the right project, but I'd be careful to check it regularly for loose cylinder head or backplate bolts.

I haven't had the opportunity to try an Aviastar engine yet, but they are strong runners and reliable by most all reports. Folks who received engines with faulty carburetors report quick service from Sig with regard to getting things sorted out. The machining and overall parts quality is reported to be excellent.

It's really amazing the quality and value of engines that are available in the $49 to $79 price range these days.

Just a fyi, I never got your PM, either my pm is messed up our yours is.

Thanks guys

right now I have 3 planes that are ready to go, or close, my 40 size tiger, my new Kougar and a 40 size stick. I currently have an evol engine on loan, and 2 older 40 OS engines to put on these birds, but I think both the Tiger and the Kougar needs a bit more power.

Jon

I really think the $49 for the aviastar is a steal. I think that the machining is excellent, the power is great, and the tuning is very good too, very similar to my Magnum XLS-46. I do wish I had my 4* done right now to see how well it will pull it around the sky, but by the 'feel' of the break-in on the bench, I think they are excellent engines and amazing values. OS engines be damned!
Curtis