Current top conversion picks
 

Ok so it's been forever since I've been here, but here I am. I recently began working at a lawnmower shop and probably will have access to engines being tossed out because they weren't cost effective to fix. So, I'm to see what people have been converting lately. Most are better brand engines as in Stihl, Echo, and such. I just did a valve job on a Stihl 4 mix motor. Pretty simple setup. No gaskets on the case.

Its a ghost town in here, I dont think much has changed in conversions, but yea I believe Stihl and Echo are among the best engines quality wise.

I kinda thought so. Guess with all the I expensive engines now, it doesn't make sense. Going to see what we have in the scrap pile and go from there.

Yea Im not sure about the so called inexpensive engines as an advantage, the conversions seem to do the job just fine. If you like to tinker its even better. Plenty of engines available next to free. CDI ignitions and prop hubs available at hobbyking fairly cheap.
Im new to the game so maybe theres something I dont know? Glow fuel and lipos are so pricey, so why not try one conversion at least.

With the engine conversion parts places like Wacker Engines,Carr Precision and Jag Engines disappearing, you either have to have the equipment to make your own or get a machine shop to make parts. Only place left that I know of is Lamberts RC LambertsRC A few guys on various forums make their own conversion parts and maybe would make yours.
I think there's a guy on Ebay that makes custom rings for engines,but can't remember what he goes by on Ebay. Frank Bowman used to make them but also quit doing them.

These days there's not much point. 20 years ago, there were few commercially produced gassers. Even 10 years ago the ones we had were expensive so it made sense to buy a prop hub and CDI for a Homelite. But with DLE, EME, and several others make serviceable engines, it's not cost effective anymore to do conversions. Even if the engine is free, you're still ahead buying the DLE when you factor in your labor costs.

Well I brought home an Echo 21cc block tonight. Looks like there are several more in the pile I can get at. Also may be able to get a Honda GX35 too.

I don't like the big planes mostly because of storage space, but still have a dozen of so Homelites with plans to use them in RC boats... some day. They don't really need any specialised parts and work better in the waves than smaller glow stuff.

They were a very good engine!
I had one many years ago.

I found one too just recently. My buddy and I were looking at a huge scrap metal heap at the local tip. He spotted it within reach, so I threw it in the car. After dismantling it when I arrived home, we discovered it was in near new condition inside. The cylinder was completely clean! No carbon visible!
So, I will be converting this one and I've already started.
The machine was branded Echo and the engine Kioritz.
I already have a converted 40 cc Kioritz in my tug plane. Fantastic motor!

Jim.

Good to hear....post some pics even, keep the conversion topic alive ;)