I am wanting to convert my first engine for rc use. I would like to have a 42 or 45cc engine. What is the best easily available engine for this conversion? I would like to try a chainsaw engine but anything that has readly available parts would be considered. And where to get the conversion parts. What do you all recommend in this size range? Thanks Guys.

Echo CS-4400 short block. 44cc and mounts like a glow motor. You can buy them for about $180.00 new plus the parts to convert. Powerful and low weight.

There are some chain saws that convert nicely like the Poulan and Poulan Pro 46's and the Homelite 45 Timberman saws.

Tim, on the CS-4400 the carb is attached with the boot. How would/did you get around that? I was thinking of ordering a short block and make a intake that may possibly bolt onto the intake flange. Is there enough room to tap some threads in it?

The CS-4400 and CS-510 are the basis for the BME 44 and 50cc engines. Brillelli is uusing the CS-520 for his 50cc engine. Looks like the engine is gone from the BME page but I am attaching two I found on the web showing the adapter someone else made. You can make or maybe try to buy one from BME the aluminum adapter. He may sell you the prop hub too. Keith is a good guy and easy to talk too. Basically you need a piece of aluminum bored to fit over the spud in the block. There are 3 set screws in mine as I remember to hold it to the spud. Also used a sealer also before I attached it. The carb spacer block bolts to the adapter. You need 2 tapped holes on the face of the adapter also for the spacer to bolt to. The engine I made is in my son's Hangar 9 Extra 260. Awesome power.

I like the Echos for sure, but you might also look at the Homelite 45cc. If you get the correct model, it has a bolt on carb. The moderator here knows which one is which.

AV8TOR

Try this link to Homelite and their PowerStroke 45cc saw. You would only need to make a carb adapter out of G10 board or Acetal plastic and some engine mount flanges like on a Poulan. I had my hands on one of these but never converted it because the cylinder and piston were fried so I can't speak for power. I have seen the saw in home center stores for about $100.00 or so.

http://www.homelite.com/parts/index.htm

Click Go To Homelite Parts Store and search Timberman. On the right click Engine Internal-Oil Pump. On the bottom left of the new page scroll down to diagram view and there is a PDF of the engine.

I tried to post the link but it gives an error when you click it.