I am building a Super sporster-40 kit all of the engines below are about the same price what one would be the best fore this plane?
Thanks Bill

Gms http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDXL5&P=0

Gms http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDXM2&P=0

Magnum http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBUX6&P=0

Os http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGGV7&P=0

Tower hobbies http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJA86&P=0

I would get the Magnum out of the ones you have listed -

Flip a coin? ..except for the OS, which is a plain bearing (meaning bushing) engine. That means it uses bushings instead of ball bearings on the crankshaft, and I'd cross it off the list because of that.

OS makes a very good .46 sized engine that utilizes ball bearings, the .46 AX, but it costs quite a bit more. You DO pay more for an OS, but they are usually worth it at the same time. If you can afford the OS .46AX, I'd say that is the one to buy!

The one GMS you listed first has a high speed needle valve that is mounted directly on the carburetor, and while that probably IS the best place for it to be mounted, it requires your hand to be awfully close to the spinnning prop if you adjust it while the engine is running. It is also the least expensive of the bunch.

Tower and GMS engines are made at the same factory, and all of the ones listed are the desirable ABC type of construction, except for the OS LA.

Actually, there is one other difference between these engines. The Magnum weighs the least, according to the specs - 16.0 oz. WITH muffler. I'd probably go with the Magnum, because of that.

Really though, there are no WRONG choices here. I think all of those (the ones with ball bearings) listed are very good. Everyone will have their favorites, but it probably boils down to personal preference.

I don't know why you have an aversion to bushing motors, but the LA is the lightest, and if you build the plane light this would be my choice. The others have more power, but weigh more also. The LA is a very docile, user-friendly engine, that will never have rusty bearings and will have plenty of power for that plane. It will last a long time and is inexpensive.

Don`t be to sure about the longevity of the LA, I have personally seen peeled LA`s. It is however very light weight, but not very powerful though. Great engine for a 20-25 size plane

I`d definately go with one of the other ball bearing engines[8D]

Hello; Has to be
Tower Hobbies does it?

Being a four stroke guy, I wouldn't choose any of your selection. I'd get a Saito 56.

If you stay in the hobby any length of time, you'll find that nobody does it to save money.

I guess the advice boils down to "buy the best you can afford"

Having said all that; there are no bad choices there, any of them will do the job.

Out of the engines you listed...Tower H. is the best deal. The 4 cycle Satio 56 is nice ...but a lot more $$$. Capt,n

How many have you seen that didn't peel?

G'day

I'm with Donkey Doctor. I have gone away from two strokes to four strokes for most of my planes and I would definitely use a four stroke in a plane such as a Sportster. I would also use a Saito, either the 56 (I have two) or the 62 (I have one).

They cost more but they work better, last longer and are easier to live with. They also use a lot less fuel and are quieter. The down side is cost and complexity but this makes them more fun to own.

Of the others I would go for the OS. OS know about quality control. GMS is still learning. I am yet to see a GMS perform consistently. Yes, they are powerful (when they run) but they are rarely consistent throughout the rev range. GMS have yet to build a really good carby consistently. Some are OK, but many are not.

The OS LA 46 is not a particularly powerful engine but used properly will easily outlast the others and will fly a light Sportster well. It also has the added advantage of simplicity. No ball bearings to rust and a simple air bleed carby. They survive crashes better too.

If you really want a two stroke 46, I would consider the Thunder Tiger 46 Pro. They are made in Taiwan and are made to a much higher quality than GMS. They are also available from Tower for about $15 more. But if you want the best readily available 46, then I would buy an OS 46 AX. They are quite a bit more expensive than the others but a good deal better made than all but the Thunder Tiger which is a close second.

Price alone - GMS/Tower
Price/Quality compromise - Thunder Tiger
Quality alone - OS
Satisfaction - Saito

All of the ones on your list have a reputaion of being hit or miss except the OD 46LA.
I have one of these and it is a fine engine, just not as powerful as the ball bearing engines.
Out of the ones listed I would choose the OS 46LA or the Magnum.

Someone mentioned the Thunder Tiger 46 Pro which is an outstanding engine.
The OS 46AX is also a great engine and if possible I would pick one of these.

Tower has these promo codes right now which will help get a more expensive engine.
Throw the TT46pro and an OS #8 glow plug in the cart, subtract $15 and you are just about at the same price point as the other engines.
$100.00 - $124.99 $15.00 010W3
$125.00 - $149.99 $20.00 010W4

You missed one here, this is my choice of the engines sold by tower.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFV71&P=0

By far the best engine they sell for $80 or less!

Sig , Aviatronics Aviastar 46.
$49.99 and is a great runner. And Sig is good people.
Or even the .53 for $69.99

^^ This... (quoted for emphasis) ... A Good analysis!

The TT.46 Pro is the best .46 mass produced sport engine you can buy that isn't made in Japan.

For those who don't want to rely on quality that is subject to a dice throw, you can't go wrong with either the TT .46 Pro or the OS AX .46.

jeffie 8696
Yes to that, Aviastar 46.

I'm with the 4 stroke guys.

I had a 70 Surpass in mine. It was a superb flyer.

I agree with the TT .46 Pro. Fantastic engine. But the Tower .46 would also be good. The TT four strokes are also a good choice.