I've had lots of .60 size and over engines over the past many years, but never any small ones. I'm scratch building a twin for 2 .15s and was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for engines this size. I'm not too worried about screaming top end. The most important factor for me is reliability. I do hav an OS .25 LA which I am quite pleased with. I know that the LA series don't have a great reputation, but it seem to work for me. Any comments on the OS .15LA, or any other .15's?
Thanks.

TT GP .15 is better than the LA. Fox .15 is also very good.

I have the same idea and have been able to aquire 2 like new OS FP 15's. These are both super reliable and run well. I have heard bad things about the plastic backplate on the LA's but can comment no further on those.

I have had a Mecoa .15 and it vibrated too much. Also a Norvel AME .15 and it was fast but I never got it to run reliable.

I guess if I had to go out and buy them today, I would try the TT .15. They look like a close cousin to the FP to me.
Let us know what you decide. What plane????

ZB

The Norvel is a great engine to use for your application. The only drawback is that it takes a while for the engine to break in and settle down. This may have been the reason for your prior reliability problems with the norvel engine.

They'll be going in a P-38 that was in the June 88 RCM, plan #1020.

Love that Norvel .15!!!

I have had several different .15 engines (MVVS, Fox,Norvel and OS) none can come close to the OS .15 CVA. This is the absolute best .15 I have ever owned.

Kevin

The very best .15 is the K&B .18

Go M.V.V.S. I have 120 or so engines and this is my favorite .15.

Max

I'm sure there's a number of good .15's to choose from but my heart is with the Fox .15.

Brick-Sh_t house construction, light as a feather, and it screams.

Lapped piston will last 40 years if you treat it nice.

If you are flying a twin, you may want a second 15 size plane (I'm thinking cheap ARTF).

Why? so that you can run in each engine well before putting it in your twin. Ideally it should have the same mounting position so that you can tune it for that.

This way any reliability issues can be sorted out before risking your nice plan built plane. Most twins (as you probably are aware) can be a nightmare to fly with one engine dead.

Of course if you like the other plane, you will then have to buy a third 15 size engine...