hey, im planning out a scratch build of a chipmunk that has a 80" wingspan, and i would like to run an electronic igniton in order to keep wieght down. what engine would be suitable for this plane? i would like it to be able to do aerobatics (not 3D, but good vertical would be preferable). i was thinking of using a homelite 33cc engine b/c ive heard they're quite powerful.
Is there any other engine i should consider?
thx,
andrew

Andrew,
A chipmunk at 80" span would have about 7.5 square feet of wing and weight 11 to 12 lbs@ 25oz./sq ft. A 33 powerstroke would fly it fine, but a 45 or 46 would do better. CH has parts to convert to EI for both Poulan and Homelite. The extra power would be useful if the wing loading is higher.

Dave

ok, in your opinion, which is better: homelite or poulan?
as far as ease of conversion, that really doesnt bother me much, although i would like to purchase minimal parts in order to use the engine

Both Homelite and Poulan are good. Poulan may be more easy to convert. But get more opinions if you can. Capt,n

ill do a few more searches on here. Ive ordered a rebuild kit for my ryobi from a guy that runs a small engine shop....maybe he will have something that i can use.
i had another shop that i went to for parts, and now when im looking for an engine or carb, he always asks whats wrong with the first engine i got from him. i tell him each time i check to see if any used are around that its for a different airplane. it seems that he doesnt believe me and he is starting to be less help to me, so i dont go there anymore........Hell, after tinkering on my ryobi and reading posts here, im getting a little better knowlege of these engines than he does!

Almost forgot! where do you guys get your carbs for these engines? ive only got a Walbro WT149A for my ryobi and need a bigger one! (this one is only 20/64) does anyone here have a used one they could sell to me? Both shops around here are WAY overpriced and its hard to find anything used around here. I thought about running a wanted ad in the paper, but that might be a little desprate

Andrew,
Poulan Pro is the best quality. Homelite 33cc and 45cc with the black cover are the easiest to convert, because of the bolt on carb. I found good deals on carbs on Ebay, but you need to do your homework and be knowledgable about types and sizes.

Dave

i checked out ebay, and there were a few, but im afraid of the condition of the carbs