Engine for 4 Star 40
 

Hello.
I'm planning on building my first "real" kit....a Four Star 40.
I've seen some recommendations for 2-stroke engines for this plane, but
was wondering what would be a good match for a 4-stroker?
I'm thinking a Saito .56 or .65 (or bigger??).

Thanks!

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

Either of those would fine. I have a Magnum .52 4-stroke on mine and it pulls it around plenty fast. I think an engine bigger than a .65 might put too much stress on the airframe.

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

I have an OS 52 4 stroke in my 4*40 ARF and it is great. This was my 2nd airplane and my first taildragger and I didn't feel the need to overpower it. I still have plenty of power to get myself in trouble. My landings are sometimes less than perfect and I do lots of to & landings practicing and finally the tail wheel wire failed from constant straightening. I would start out with a Sullivan tailwheel assembly from the start. My .02cents.

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

Both Saito's are fine engines but the 65 is in the same size case as the 91, so the 56 is a lighte option with plenty of power-

The Saito-72 would be better in a sense that after you graduate from the 4* the 72 will beable to be used in MANY other planes with plenty of power---;)

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

I would never get the .72...

the .82 is lighter with more power....

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

I'm using the .72 on my Four Star and it's a blast to fly. If the .82 has the same case, I'd seriously consider that. Nobody says you *have* to use all the extra power!

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

On my 4* 40, I started with an OS .52 four stroke and was very pleased. I took the .52 off to put on another plane and put an OS 46 AX on the 4*. Man! What a difference.....it flies so much faster with a lot more power.

RE: Engine for 4 Star 40
 

Thanks for the input!

Tower Hobbies recommends a .50 to .60 size 4-stroke for this plane,
but I'm not sure what they base their recommendations on.
I'd sure like to error on the side of bigger because then I can transfer
the engine to a larger plane later, as Razor-RCU mentioned.

My concern is always putting TOO heavy an egine on the plane which
would make it unstable or the airframe not being able to handle it.
I definitely like realism and climbing power versus speed, and I don't
have to fly at full throttle.

I'm a newbie with matching engines to airframes so the advice is
much appreciated!