Hi Guy's:
I am interested in the new GT-80. My thing is this. I hear that they are having problems with engine from crank to electronics. I hear that the 445 was a great engine and I wish I could find two new ones. If you have heard any other things about the GT-80 I would like to know. I am putting them in a twin and need all the reliability I can get.

Thanks in advance.

Dave R

The GT-80 is a high quality powerplant that runs very smooth. The magneto system works just fine and is very reliable. It isn't the most powerful engine for its size but is the smoothest running engine I have seen and easy to operate and maintain.

Hi Ryan:
Thank you for your reply. I sent you an email.

BR, Dave

I would say anything you heard about problems is a MYTH..The GT80 uses the same ignition that Zenoah has used for at least 16 years on the G62 and the G45 without problems..The GT 80 is an exact clone of the 445 twin with the exception of the bore and the intake manifold..The old manifold is a little rougher inside and is black with Zenoah cast into it...
the problems? with the Zenoah twin are in the mind of the pilot..When the instruction manual calls for a prop to let the engine turn 8000 or more rpm in the air and someone puts a prop on it that will turn only 6500, whose problem is it ? Ever go up a steep hill in high gear ? Same thing, the engine is not in its power band...We ran a 445 twin for 2 years in a formula 1 race plane, turning in excess of 11,000 rpm...It's still going strong and will probably win in 2004 also...I HAVE some cranks get loose in the race planes, probably from running way to lean...

Hi RG:
Thank you for your reply. What prop would you suggest on the 80 ? Would it swing a 3 blade ? Any Idea on a size, Thanks again. I want to use it on the 3W tigercat 42 pounds 119" wing

Dave

One of my friends in Allbuquerque has a Tiger Cat that size...We flew it with G62s first, then changed to 445 twins..He hasn't flown it yet with the twins, but I think he has 24-10 Zingers on it now...The G62s ran 22-10 Zingers, flew it well, and his was around 60 lbs..He changed it to the latest version that was tested by the Air Force, so his was painted silver..Changing to the last version involved making the rudder higher, maybe something else..We used CM6 spark plugs and completely cowled the engines with nothing showing except the muffler pipes at the bottom..It looks and sounds awesome in the air and handles well...He's a retired fighter pilot, hence the Air Force version...The original disappeared somewhere and has not been found...I have some photos around here somewhere....No scanner, can't post pictures...
It would swing a 3 blade, but not sure what size...Prop it for at least 8000 rpm in the air, it will be a TIGER [8D]

Hi RC:
Thank you for the info. I am researching as much as I can. I hera that they fly very nice.

RG, Dave

WhoDaMan: I run a GT-80 on a 24lb glider tug, and I´m very pleased with the performance/reliability of the 80... I normally use a MenzS 28x8 or 26x10 on mine. Don´t know the rpm but I´m guessing something like 5-6K , but I like the slow pulling power of the larger props for towing. At my club we also have a max noise reading of 94db at 9ft, hence the need to run at lower rpm´s. Sometimes I have had to use a MenzS 24x10 (@6800rpm), but it makes the plane too fast for my liking.

Hi Tinus Nielsen:
Thank you for your reply. It is really helping me with the proping I need.

BR, Dave

A 3 blade Bolly 21x13 will give you about 7200, I tried it on my Corsair and it worked well. I switched to a 21x12 2 blade Bolly and got almost 8000 and a marked increase in speed...Lenny

Hi Lenny:
Thank you. So what do they like to run at? Did you have any problems with over heating with the 3 blade?

Dave

Like Ralph says, if you prop them for 7900 or more, the engine really wakes up. No overheating problems with the Corsair cowl, plenty of exit air around the side. I did limit the entry air to two openings right in front of the cylinders....Lenny

The GT-80 is a good engine... At least I have had good results with it... My friend flew a Stock GT-80 for 2 years with no problems at all. Until he crashed... I bought his wrecked plane and rebuilt it, then flew the GT-80 for another 6 months... Until I crashed it... I bought a new plane and a NEW GT-80... I pulled off the spring starter, and magneto and installed an electronic ignition... I can see an improvement in perfermance and lower idle and flip starting.... I am a Very Satisfied GT-80 Owner/Flyer... I am now flying a H9 1/3 Scale Sukhoi... weighs a little over 25 lbs.

i am getting ready to buy a gt80 for a 33% edge where did you get your electronic ignition? how does it pull the sukhoi?

I have a GT80 in a Hangar 9 Extra 330L. I run a 24x10 Fuchs prop and get 7300 rpm. My plane weighs 29 1/2 pounds ready to fly and the Zenoah will hover it a bit over half throttle and will accellerate vertically from a hover. I have about 50 very smooth running,trouble free flights on it. And it keeps getting better and better with each gallon of fuel. In other words................... I LOVE my GT80!
Rusty

Just a quick note... I just testflew my 24lb tug today with a Menz Ultra 22x12 3-blade @ 6600rpm... With this prop it will accelerate going up... I´m very satisfied with the performance.

How does it sounds with those manifolds ?

WhoDaMan, I know that you're looking at the GT80. I run a 22/12 3 blade Bolly on a G74, pulls 7100. In the Z Corsair it is very quiet. No overheating. Very reliable.

Hi Rusty:
Do you run the spring starter. I hear different stories considering this.

Dave

Yes, I am running the original spring starter and magneto ignition. Rusty

Thanks Rusty


Dave