[Jim D]

If I treat myself to a new 2-stroke 40-50 class engine for my next project, I've got a question. What is the best running 2-stroke in this class? I'm not talking strictly most powerful, but easy to tune and run with CLEAN throttle response over the whole range. My old OS 46SF ABC was the best one I've ever had as far as running like a swiss watch. I've got a TT46 Pro that's pretty good. I've had others as well (Magnum, K&B, Fox).

Some that I hear a lot about but have never fooled with are the Irvines (46,53) and the MVVS (49?).

I know this is a possible can of worms but I wanna hear what the bro's have to say.

 

[TailTwister]

As for "new stuff", the 46AX from OS is supposed to be a killer motor. It has a harmonically balanced crank, and should be one of the smoothest ones out there. It is even a tad lighter than a 46FX, I think. The 50SX has a huge following, and makes good power.

After a "Come to Jesus" break in period, my Rossi 53 shaped up real nice. I miss that engine... I had no trouble with it after maybe 10 tanks of fuel. I still say that there is no 40 or 50 class engine that makes power like it does, except perhaps a Jett 50. Pardon me while I duck all of the rocks folks are going to throw at me for that one...

For the economy class, the GMS 47 looks good. We have 2 in our club here, and both run well. Both make good power.

If I found myself in your shoes, I'd spend lots of time looking at an OS 50SX with a Performance Specialties Ultrathrust muffler. It will run on pretty much any nitro from 5% to 35%, and I've not heard a bad review of one. For a fun fly, it will rock with a 12x4, 12.25x3.75, or even a 13x4.

Several guys here love the Irvines, but I've never even seen one up close.

So, no more teasing. What is the project?

 

[Jim D]

Well, the next project is down to two finalists:

The Burrito or matlok's Katana. Actually I am in all likely hood going to get both of them I just finished building (covering as we speak) the small OMP Edge. Pretty straightforward build but more time consuming than I though. I'm SLOWWWWW at cutting all those diagonal braces in the fuse and tail surfaces.

Everyone loves the Burrito and the building method Paul has employed looks to be fast. Matlok is doing some of the same assy methods with his Katana.

The reason I ask this question about the engines is that as I progress further into 3D (I am a novice) I have become more and more aware of how much difference a fast throttle servo and immediate engine response make when you are trying to do some of this stuff. You really have to learn to fly the throttle and and engine that blubbers in the midrange is a serious impediment to 3D nirvana.

I've seen a few 50sx's in action but only in fast sport planes. I'd like to see one on a fun-fly with a bigger prop. People just rave about the Irvine 53, but there is not an Irvine to be seen at my field nor MVVS nor Rossi.

One guys did bring out a Sport Jett a few weeks ago and that is almost scary. Toggle switch power.

 

[Razorback58]

Hey Jim D! I'm also pretty much a novice at 3D, so I can understand where you're coming from. I currently own both the OS .50 and the Irvine .53. The OS is a powerhouse and by no means a shabby engine. It makes lots of power, and I've never had any trouble out of it. If I were going to purchase a new engine, however, I think that I would buy another Irvine. The throttle response is great, lots of power, never a blubber from it, and it is cheaper than the OS. I have it on a Burrito and have never regretted buying it. I am currently the only person at my club to be using an Irvine, but I may soon have lots of company. You won't go wrong with either engine.

 

[Jim T]

I vote for the Irvine.

 

[tpstorey]

A mousse can muffler made a big difference in smoothness on both my OS 46 and TT 46. I don't know how much quieter it really is, but club members really like the sound coming out of the MCM: more of a purr than a scream.

 

[click the pirate]

Well I could be bias but I like the OS 46FX or if you can't find one new new AX, now here is the secret, use the macs tuned pipe. I know that they my seem big, but the power and reliability you will recieve is unbelievible 8)

 

[John Wells]

I owned a Jett 76 and was totally impressed with the power, but...it had a slobbery mid-range and seemed to be made for full throttle or idle. Does anyone have any experience with the Jett 46 or 50 regarding the linearity of the throttle with funfly props?

Thanks,

JW

 

[Gordo]

The good news is you really won't got wrong if you stay with any of the ones that have a strong following. Within this list I would let my pocket book make the call.

TT Pro .46
.46 fx or ax
.50 fx
.53 Irvine

I can't say enough good stuff about my .50sx, it's just incredible. And the .46fx on my Burrito which I've had a long time too, is also great!!!!! The Tower Muffler is what I like, it's cheap and light, and adds lots of power. I use it on both of those engines.

My Irvine rocks too.

 

[LancelowDowell]

I've personally had pretty good luck with the Super Tiger engines. I had an old ST .51 on my trainer when I was learning (yea, just a bit overkill) and a new St 45 on my spa3d. One tank of fuel through it and it was running good and strong. It only weights .1 ounce heavier then the OS 46ax, turns just a little less power then the ax, but costs $74 compared to $109 on the OS. You also don't have the screwy remote needle to play with... every OS I've used with the remote needle developed airleaks in there.

But as for things I've heard, the Thunder Tiger engines all run good, the OS engines are good, but more expensive then others in their size. If you want to spend the money, the west eurotech 2 strokes are amazing engines, and the west .50 can turn the same size prop the saito 72 can spin.

 

[rcairnut]

I think you missing some great eng.s Try Webra .50 speed (and the Webra .32 speed I am thinking of this for my FF Taco) I Love mine. I also have 2 MMVS .49's one MVVS .49 is great but the other is still rough they need a lot of break in time. I also have a .46 Mag that is a peach but has a Perry carb so not stock.
My $0.02

 

[PaulSwany]

I'd have to give my thumbs up to the Webra .50... Awesome engine, lighter that everything else in it's class and the throttle transition is awesome!

Having said that, all of the other engines presented hear are pretty good runners.... Sometimes it just boils down to what you have experience with....

 

[Jim D]

Thanks guys. I am going to give a Webra 50 a try. Shopping around they can be had in the $120 range, and until Paul mentioned it, I had never noticed just how light they were. My curiosity has been tweaked.

I still want to try an Irvine one of these days though.

 

[Jmulder]

After you run one Webra 50 you wont buy anything else. Like Paul said, throttle transition is awesome. When you put a pipe on it I think its just a small 60 size engine................

 

[maverick]

I have TTpro 46s and Os 46fx's with Towermufflers and some of you know how i fly and i have never had a problerm. Break them in right and you will be sittin perty!!!

Dan

 

[Stano]

What pipes are you guys running on the Webra I don't think mine can run better globs of power low smooth idle and the transition is awsome even after a long hover.. 10 tanks since Fri afternoon not a hiccup im impressed... ordered another Friday night