I am thinking about bench testing the engine for the purpose of getting myself familiarized with the beast. Do you guys do that? If so, what should I pay attention to?

Thanks

You can if you want to, I dont bench run anything, bolt it on, fire it up, see how it runs, fly it.

Only do it for fun...it's by no means necessary.
I have a couple of friends who were going to bolt theirs to opposite sides of a table, then see which one would pull the best...again, all in fun.
They changed their minds and bolted the engines on their planes...should be ready Sunday I'm hoping...

Put it on a plane, start it, check low end then hi end and FLY IT! Its better for the motor in the air. Good luck!

Naaa,
We bolt them right up here, fuel them up and start flying them. Just hold off on the TR'n and Harriers for a few flights so you don't over heat her
RickP

Nonstoprc,
I just mounted my 50 to the plane and ran a tank at home on mid throttle then took it to the field and am now in the 3rd gallon of break-in gas. I agree with all who say the cooling is better. It got a bit warm on the first few runs and I was glad it got as much cooling as it could. I also agree that in the early time just sport/imac stuff is perfect for break-in. I really like this engine. !~)

Joe

The only reason for bench running is to establish the starting procedure, so you don't look dumb at the field. The other is to astablish a good pois. idle so you don't crash and burn on take off. When you buy a weed eater or chain saw, you put gas and oil in start it up cut away at full rpm. & there is less air moving over the fins then in the air. Do it in the air!