Hello,
Was about to mount my saito .56 in my nexstar (has os .46) but have a issue. The needle is opposite side as the OS was. and that means the throttle lever is opposite too. Can I unbolt the carb and spin it around you think?




UPDATE! I sitched the card around, thats fine. But I cant fit the engine on the engine mount because of the rear carb. Any suggestions?

So long as the fuel inlet doesn't get turned backwards, yes. The engine doesn't care which way the carb is turned.

never mind, I freaked and should have searched online first hahaha. but for anyone else that searches this, here is a link.

http://saito-engines.info/faq.html

Yes you can

thanks for the reply!

I have a different issue now. Not sure how im gonna get this mounted. The carb on the back of the engine is hindering the install. Almost off the mount. [:@]

Get a new longer mount.

If you do put a longer engine mount, don't forget to re-do the CG.

CGr.

Ok, I guess thats what I was looking for. Wanted to make sure it was ok. Also thanks for the reminder about CG.

why change out to a saito 56 when the comp engine in a 4st is about a 70, the nextar is on the edge of its power needs with the OS46 2stroke.

as for the mount any plastic mount will work well enough when I installed a OS61 in my Nextar I needed to use a larger great planes mount, it fit just fine, I did need to mod the fuse to clear the needle valve,and muffler, you not going to need that with a 4stroke,I had the fuse stripped of covering so it wasn't a big deal.

your probably going to need to redrill the mounting holes if you chose a different mount the iso-smooth mount that comes with the nextar is a bit narrow for most engines, fits the 46 perfect, but was way small for my 61.

as for the CG there is going to be only a small adjustment for it you might need to move the battery back a bit,when I added floats and a larger engine there wasn't any change at all.

What bigtim said. You are going to a lot of hassle to realize a reduction in performance. Unless you just like four stroke engines. I love the sound of them, but I don't believe I would replace an OS .46 two stroke with a Saito .56 four stroke. The pleasure just ain't worth the pain.

hmmm... Darn IT! LOL

The reason i was going to do this swap was because I have 2 engines..os .46 and saito .56 The saito is brand new. I have 2 planes I want to fly. Nexstar and GP escapade. Coming off the trainer, I wanted to be confident with the escapade before I put the 4stroke on it. But I think i may have to do something else then. Shoulda bought a bigger saito I guess.

The Saito .56 will fly your Nexstar just fine IMO...a friend has one...nice engine.
I would suggest a 12x6 APC prop....O.S type F plug and 15% nitro... makes a good flyable combination.

The Saito 56 will fly your Nexstar just fine. Probably a shorter take off roll but less top speed. I did a similar conversion 15 years ago and I really liked the way the S-56 flew my plane. If your mount will not allow the S-56 to fit then try to find a mount with the same bolt pattern but if you have to redrill and change the blind nuts thats not a big deal either.
Fred

I would probably just go ahead and put the Saito on the Escapade. That way you can just set it up right the first time, and not have do go through this same re-work on two planes.

The Escapade is lighter, and I think it will be a better match with the Saito.

Good luck

I've been flying my escapade with a saito 56 for several weeks now. Flys it great. The great planes mount will work fine but I did have to drill another hole for the throttle control rod. Once you get that part done You will not be disappointed.

Shaggy

the only issue with the escapade/saito combo is that I have not flown anything but a trainer. Im affraid to put it in with that motor on it LOL. The .46 has seen the dirt a couple times...never when I was flying but its strong, I am kinda afraid I will put it in.

But on the other hand, I dont want to have to change the bolt holes for the motor mount on the nexstar. Might see how well the saito mounts to the escapade. Whats the worst that happens right. [8D]

BTW, My .46 is a screamer with the nexstar. I have TONS of power. But I prefer to fly at no power hahaha...more comfortable that way.

Well another thing to consider is the escapade will be tail heavy. So whichever you go with be sure to get your cg right. And don't crash it at least not nose in
Anything else is just a learning curve.

well I decided I would put the saito on the escapade. This is for a couple reasons. I can break in my saito and still fly when Im at the field. Ill still have the nexstar ready to keep me flying. And because I dont want to swap around the engine mounts.


Here is the new question

Anyone got pics of how they hooked up the saito .56 throttle arm on the escapade?

If you don't get any by tonight I'll take a couple and post when I get home. But you will see wasn't much to it really. There's not a lot of room to work with and unless you're really good at making bends you could do like I did. Mount the engine then using a long drill, drill through the mount and firewall where the control rod needs to be. A small z-bend at the throttle arm worked for me.

OK Justin. Here are a couple pics. If you have any questions just ask but its pretty much like I said. Hardest part will be drilling the hole for the pushrod.

Shaggy

Thanks shaggy,

Looks like you kept your throttle horn on the right side (looking at the front of the engine). I spun mine around because I have my servo mounted on the other side. This may be why I hesitated the install. Ill be looking at it again tonight. Just got home from work.