TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

I just received a Tams pipe for my first Lightning, which I am refurbing. He offers two -- one is an exact replacement and the other is made for larger engines than the 160 or Rhino. Thought some of you would be interested.

The stock pipe weighs 1 pound, 5 ounces. Tams pipe weighs 15 ounces, for a savings of 6 ounces. My weight and balance calcs show this should save approximately 4 ounces of nose weight, for a total weight reduction of 10 ounces.

The construction of the pipe is excellent. It was an exact match to the original in length, but the diameter was slightly larger and I needed to minimally enlarge the cutout in the aft former. Exit diameter on both pipes was 85 MM, but the Tams pipe was 90 MM at the bypass end while the original was 85 MM. The original used bolts and standoffs for pipe spacing at either end with an accordian wrap in the center, while Tams pipe uses an accordian wrap in three spots. The lack of bolts and standoffs is a plus as there is one less thing to come apart.

Installation was very simple. The three tabs that attach the pipe to the aft former are actually on a sliding ring, so they will adapt easily to an existing installation. The outer pipe fit nicely over the rear of the bypass, and the pipe is secured to this piece with two tabs and two screws.

I do not have the instrumentation to do a thrust check, but a reliable source did pull tests on the original and Tams pipe and came up with a three pound increase in thrust. All in all, I am satisfied with the purchase.

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

I decided to replace the stock pipe with Tam's as well, but haven't had the time yet. I am glad it was an easy install and especially the pounds of thrust gained.

Regards

Alex

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

I got my pipe from Tam last August & I thought it was the only design for the Lightning - like the Eurosport pipe. Now I see yours & it's exactly like stock. Now you got me wondering if mine is for the larger turbines? Mine has a different flow design that is supposed to run cooler (all intake & exhaust thru center and aft fuse air thru the outer wall) I don't think it will, but I hope mine doesn't hurt the thrust on my Titan - Any ideas on that?

I had a 30mm difference from stock at the bell mouth. I shortened the aft end of my bypass & made thicker blocks for the mount tabs thus shifting the pipe forward so it exits the fuse at the stock length.

Here's pics of mine vs stock...

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

I'm not exactly sure, as I haven't seen the big engine pipe. Suggest you give Tam a call and he can clear it up. I did hear from another person early on that the pipe he got from Tam was not the right length but he thought it might have been a manufacturing defect.

I'd be really interested in what you find out.

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

I posted my pipe question once before...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_47...tm.htm#4779376

Mine is the same as the Eurosport's which uses P120 or Titan so I should be ok. It should run a lot cooler than the stock design.

I'm slowly finishing my Lightning, so it will be a few months before I fly it and can report how my pipe functions.

...Scott

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

O.K.
I want to clear any comfusing about three different pipes.

The large inside pipe goes over the bypass was made early last year. That pipe work very well for all class engine. It require to clear some of the wood former to fit the pipe.
The latest pipe made exact to the original stock pipe. But there is two different size. One is for 32-36 lbs thrust class. The other is for 36-45 lbs thrust class.
When order the exact duplicate to stock pipe. Please let me know how much thrust the engine you are using. So I can made to the correct size.

If you guys had one of the large pipe. That pipe work for any engine.

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

Thanks for clearing this up Tam. Nice job on the pipe.

RE: TAMs Pipe for Lightning
 

Tam, My Rhino class pipe fit perfect and 7oz. lighter. Yes, you do make the best pipes on the Universe. No pun intended. WHMC STL