Hi,

Well, I just took the big jump and ordered a Wild Hare R/C 28% Extra 260. Does anyone here have an "apples to apples" comparison on the Poulan 42 versus the Homelite 45cc engines??

Now before all the 3Ders in the crowd start jumping up and down and saying "IT WON'T WORK, IT WON'T WORK..."

A. I don't do 3D and am not really interested in acceleration out of a hover, just strong normal aerobatic performance.

B. I happen to have one of each of those motors that are stripped but not finish converted.

C. Wild Hare tells me they have customers with the same setups that love their planes.

So, anyone have any comparison numbers?

Thanks in advance,
AV8TOR

The 260 is in the 33 to 35% size range I think. It should use at least a 70cc motor. I have a BME 50 in my Wildhare Extra 300 and it flies well at 16 pounds or so. The 260 probably will weigh around 25 pounds or so. So a 42 or 45 cc engine will render it a little week on power.

Sorry, I mistyped that.... It's the Extra 300 28% by Wild Hare. Weight is 16 to 18 pounds, 1365 square inch wing.

I think either of the two engines would fly it ok for sport aerobatics; I'm just wondering which one has more power.

Thanks,
AV8TOR

Hi AV8TOR,
Is the Poulan a Pro model? The pro has a plated cylinder and may have more advanced timing. Of course there is no substitute for cubic inches.

Dave

Hi,

Yes, it's the Poulan Pro. But the ignition timing won't matter as I always use after market electronic ignition to optimize the timing, have easier starting, and reduced weight.

Thanks,
AV8TOR

HI AV8TOR,
I was talking about cylinder port timing. It may be a little stronger for it's size. Sorry about the confusion.

Dave

Ok. I've recently moved and am not well set up yet to work on my planes and engines at the moment. However, I may have to finish converting both of these motors and test them back to back to see which one has the most guts. I was hoping someone here had a comparison.

Thanks,
AV8TOR

I have converted several Pro295 and 2750. The cylinders are identical, as far as I can tell, other than the chrome plating vs. Nickelsil. The carbs are different, but mostly in the level configuration, I think.

Powerwise, they aren't different enough to call it one way or another. I do have come across a couple of refurbished ones that pull less RPMs than my other ones.

AV8TOR, I think the Poulan 42 will be a good engine for sport flying the WH 28% Extra. I stopped paying attention to the 3D fanatics long time ago. If you post in the Sport Flying forum, you might get some more realistic opinion. HOWEVER, I will have to say that the Poulan 46 would be a better bet. If you go electronic ign, the Poulan 46 is much better package IMHO. A bit more oomph, mounting is easier and the carb orientation (with the CH insulator) is exactly parallel to the thrust line.

The 46 is my all-time favorite conversion motor. I still do 42 for friends of mine that have the chainsaw already, but I always explain the caveats to them before hand so they know what to expect. Good luck.

Ok thanks. Actually what I might decide to do is put the Poulan 42cc on my Katana GSP 72". That should make the 3D guys happy!

Then I'll put the Homelite 45cc on the WH 260. That engine was sold by RS Engines and called the "Brute". As I recall, it had some fairly impressive numbers.

Thanks again,
AV8TOR