Whats up guys. Got a few questions regarding engines. I see there are 2 stroke, and I`m guessing the 4 strokes are newer? IDK. I see on some models, it says one size for 2 stroke engines and an entirely different size for 4 stroke. Whats the idea here? Can you puta four stroke on pretty much anything, as long as its the right size for the plane? When an engine is labled .46, what exactly is this referring to? Cu.In? This is pretty much all I have for right now, but I`m sure in days to come there will be plenty more from me. Thanks alot, Jon</p>

4 stroke engines aren't newer than 2 stroke engines, they're simply different in how they operate. Each have their advantages and disadvantages for various uses.

The type of engine you use depends mainly on the type of plane, so decide on that first.

.46 is referring to cubic inches, yes - so approx 7.65cc.

Do some research into gas engine basics (RC or not), it will help a lot if you understand how internal combustion engines work.

There are gas engines and there are glow engines...a gas engine is usually found on larger modle aircraft and burn gasoline and oil mix like a weed wacker.....glow engines burn glow fuel a mixture of oil and methanol with nitro thrown as an oxidizer....</p>

for the same power out a 4 stroke will be bigger......a 52 4 stoke would be great on a 40 sized trainer....4 strokes sound good</p>

good flyin to ya</p>

Thanks guys

Personal opinon here for what it's worth, 2 stroke glow enginesmay be a little more beginner friendly. They are alittle cheaper, lighter and thus a little more common than 4 strokes.4 strokes have a little morevibration concerns but are definitely the way to go if youwant to spin a large prop or do3D flying. AsI said though, just a personal opinion.

The reason 2 strokes make more power than 4 strokes is that the 2 S is firing every time the piston goes down. The 4 S fires every other time. The general rule in the automotive industry is that 4 S engines make 80% of the power as the same size 2 S engine. However the model engines we use have much less of a gap in my opinion.
4 S engines are a lot more complex and expensive. I am a big fan of both.
Ibelieve the .50 size 4 S engines offered are meant to replace .40 size 2 S engines. Ihave a .52 Magnum 4 S and it makes the power of a 40 plain bearing engine.
I would use the larger of the sizes to replace a .45 size engine like .56 to .61 size 4 S engines.
Ipersonally have had a lot more trouble tuning the idle on my 4 S than any 2 S.

Awesome. Good info. guys. Thanks alot!

If you're a beginner, stick with 2 stroke engines. They are simpler to set up and take care of, and they make more power for their weight. 4 strokes are for planes that need low end grunt or for modelers who want their planes to sound like real ones.

IN case we didn't answer your question .46 refers to the cubic inch displacement of the engine. Engines in the 40 size range are the most common.