I have a Sword and a 2300 on the shelf near the top of my "to do" list. It will be interesting to see how close to unlimited vertical the 2300 is. I have $150 in the motor and $180 in the airplane. With a Karl Mueller header and a macs pipe it's a "Can't beat the price" power plant - airframe combo.

Long range, after tweaking the motor, my thinking is to reduce the airplane size until a 2300 provides unlimited vertical. For example say 10% less power, my idea is to build an airplane 10% smaller then a 2M, for lack of a better name, I'll call it a 1 7/8's Meter airplane.

The 2300 price tag is hard to pass up for a sport pilot with no intentions of competing! 178 plane should require a little less materials to build too.

I'd really like to hear how much less powerful percentage wise, people think a 2300 is then say a OS 160. My thoughts are a 2300 on a 9 and a half pound plane would be about right.

I cant remember the guys name, masters pilot, flew and tested the 2300 and got more out of the motor than anyone. ahhh Bob Pastorello.. thats it.

Check out his site... tons of great info and ideas plus

www.rcaerobats.net
http://www.rcaerobats.net/STEng/ST_Story.htm

bottom link is direct to the st2300.... good stuff here, follow it, Bob spent a ridiculous amount of time putting this together.

Chuck

Thanks Chuck. Whatever happened to Bob Pastorello anyway? He use to be such a frequent poster.

Bob is no longer competeing but still playing with new things and trying to make things better. His website is constantly being updated. Always interesting reading.

Chuck

I finally decided to go with the G2300, and everything I have read keeps stating that an 18X8 prop gives the best performance. There is only one problem, there is only 1.5" prop clearance with the current main gear and wheel configuration. Can I go with a smaller prop and still get good performance? Or do I need to get a taller landing gear?

I think an 18X8 is too much prop for a 2300. 17X8 or so would be much better.

Arch

I'm keeping the engine stock because I can't spend too much on this plane. I have a Perry VP-30 pump to go on it so I am going to move the tank on the CG. I hope it works. Before I go and start changing out landing gear I want to try some smaller props. Just want to get some advice on where to start. Thanks.

1.5" clearance should not be a problem if you fly off asphalt or short grass. I fly with similar clearance off medium (3") grass and the tips get green.

As Archie said, the 18x8 may be a bit much but if you intend to fly with a pipe, just stretch the pipe another 3/4". Increasing nitro to 20% will also help turn the 18x8.

good luck

MattK