which is better a ringed engine or a ABC engine?

If you asked which is better honey roasted or salted peanuts you will git about as many differant answers as you will get from that post. It depends on what you prefer. Generally ABC will give slightly better compression, at least when cold for start up. The ABC will outlast the ringed engine but not by a whole lot. But with a ringed engine you can replace a $20 ring to get it running almost as good as new. With an ABC engine you must spend at least $50 for a new piston and sleeve and it will be as good as new.

For engines that will spend a lot of time running at midrange or idle, the ringed engine will probably have an edge. Note that most? heli engines are ringed. Keep in mind that ABC types were origionally designed for racing purposes because they operate most efficiently when up to full temperature. (the piston/sleeve fit is optimized)

Ernie

I have an engine with the best of both. It's a Webra .32 Speed ABCD. That's an ABC piston and cylinder but it also has a Dykes ring :spinnyeye

John

If I could, every engine I'd buy would be ringed. The slight power loss over ringed more than makes up over the fact that engine longevity is much longer and rebuilts are much simpler, requiring a new ring anda light cylinder honing.

Ringed every time given the choice. If you baby an ABC (air filter, carry it out to the flight line and so on) it MIGHT last as long as a ringed engine before needing an overhaul that costs nearly as much as a new engine. Personally I don't think there's any difference in power at all between 2 otherwise identical engines.

I can put up with the different and longer running in time so I can have an engine that'll last just about forever

John, what's the story on the Webra 32? Is it an older one that has the dykes ring? I wonder why dykes rings aren't in fashion these days???????

Ernie

Older by a few years yes, but not ancient. About 8-9 years ago, Webra replaced it with the straight ABC version. Why? I'm not sure, but I'm glad I have the one I do instead of the newer one.

Dykes rings are more expensive to manufacture than standard rings and there is also a mis-conception in the general modeling public that and engine has to be ring-less to make any power.

John

Hi John,

I sure do like my Webra 35. It has a single (standard) ring and really screams, and puts out more power than their 32.

Ernie

If I could, all of my engines would be ringed. Very little power difference, easier starting and longer lasting.