Getting into flying 80 to 90 inch wingspan kits. 1/4 scale or so. Needing to know what size gas engine and brand I should get. Looking for an engine that I can keep for other future kits. don't know much about gas. currently flying 4stroke 90. I am looking at kits that weigh about 14-19lbs.

Any suggestions would be great.

Erich

There are a few things to consider here, the first being what kind of flying are you going to want for these engines? This is somewhat important to know because different classes of planes have different weights, and dimensions, which require a different engine.

You mentioned about 80-90"s or so, and under 20lbs...that might put you into an unlimited aerobatic class of plane, in the 25%-30% size range...in which case you'd be looking at lightweight engines in the 40cc-60cc range.

These are very popular sizes, and for good reason because they are affordable without costing as much as your car, and they can generally be hauled around with anything as small as a small truck.

I've had very good experience with BME myself, as well there are other very nice engines..IE Taurus, ZDZ, Brison, DesertAircraft, 3W, etc.. . As usual with anything, the more money spent, the better, although the high end engines are mostly very equal in performance and value...there are others to consider as well. I will say though, they aren't cheap,,,ranging in price anywhere from $500 to maybe $700 with everything...a few exceptions here, but plan on about $600++ for an engine budget for some of the engines I've mentioned.

If it's Scale flying you want, the engines still are pricey, up around $350-$450, but because they are not the lightweight performance type, and don't have electronic ignitions and such, they are a bit heavier, and not quite the power of the high end units. Some modelers just don't need all that, and for good reason...scale effect, and the less powerful heavier engines are a bit cheaper. Not taking anything away from them at all, it's just different application is all.

Just do some homework in here, and any info that you find on engines, bookmark, or subscribe to the thread and you will get updates on that thread.

All of the gassers are powerful, and for the most part, easier to run then glow...not to mention CHEAPER to run. It's a fun way to grow in the hobby....so just keep your eyes out, and check the engines forum frequently.

Yep, DGrant has pretty much said it all. I was in the same dilema about 2 years ago. If you're planning on doing a lot of flying, especially consider his last statement-"Cheaper to operate." Not only on fuel savings, but less cleaning up to do, less paper towels, etc. Buying gasoline at a buck thirty beats the cost of nitro any day. It initially grieved me to pay the bucks for a Brison 3.2, but I was certainly glad later. I'm sure it applies to the other engines in this price range also. We had 22 flights on this engine before we ever made an adjustment on it. It performed just as advertised right out of the box. Fortunately, there are a lot of planes made to fit the engines available today.
Randy

good advice here! "application" goes a long long way! this is advice from experience, not opinion. good flying, TR johnson