Temple

I'm working on a GP Super Stearman and am wanting to go to my first gas engine. So I have been looking hard at Birelli and Copperhead sites and others for an engine that would work on this plane, and of course would like to end up with an engine that could be used in a future plane as well. My better judgement says I should stick with a 26 size gas engine for this plane, but I'm really wanting a 42 to 46 size that could be used in a future plane. Weight doesn't seem to be the issue, but prop size and too much thrust on the Stearman are a bit worrisome. GP says weight on the plane should be 14.5 to 15.5 and wingspan on top is 71".

Would a lightweight 42 to 46 size gas engine be too much on this plane?

Jake Ruddy

My Feedback: (40)

Personally I would stick a small engine.. Not only will you have problems with fitting a big one in the cowl but that's way over powered to put a 42-46 in it. You will probably rip the wings off it on the first flight.

just my 2 cents

captinjohn

I 2nd that ...I would stick with a small G26 like you see on many Sig Big Rascals. Capt,n

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

You might want to try one of these. I've flown a Seagull Super Star that had one in it, I think it would power your plane perfectly. Great price too at $295
http://deakraus.bizland.com/ls26cc/

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

G-26 or similar. Anything larger will add too much weight and add a penalty to te flight quality. Bigger also will not fit well. Get the 26 and save the pennies for a later 50cc engine. The in between sizes are too limiting in aircraft selection, IMO.

Temple

Thanks for the input guys. With the insight, I'll drop the idea of anything but a smaller engine for the plane.
How does this look for a short list?(in no particular order)

Zenoah G 26

Brillelli 26SS(not sure if he is making this one right now)

Copperhead Venom 30

BCMA 26

Any one of these make more sense as a 1st gas engine?
Which one would be the most dependable right out of the box?
Is the mechanical timing on the V30 a pretty trouble free set up?
Any one of these better at hand starting than the others?
Thanks for the help

captinjohn

I think all the engines you listed would work fine. Its more in the user. Some guys can have the very best and not have good results. Some guys have a ear for how a engine should run and have no problems. Then there is the right oil to concider and proper maitanence of your engine as you use it. Smooth Landigs...and no dead sticks. Capt,n

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

All will do the job. I'm sold on the elecronic igintions though.

Zippi

My Feedback: (10)

Temple,

All of those engines mentioned are good engines and will work well. I run Brillelli engines and Zenoah which are great at a good value. I have the Brillelli 26cc on a Giles 202 running an APC 17X6 prop and it runs really nice. I can't comment on the other engines since I have never had one but I hear that they are good as well.

Temple

I'm getting fired up to enter the "gas" world! Brillelli is one that really sounds good, but if I'm reading his website correctly, he is temporarily out of the 26 size engines, but I'll call or email him to find out.

soarrich

My Feedback: (98)

I know what you mean, I bought a LS-52 twin, liked it so much I bought a LS-100 twin, ordered another LS-52 twin, and may get one of his LS-26s.

Temple

Does this madness ever stop??? Is there a support group???(guess this is it..)

Zippi

My Feedback: (10)

...No, it never stops it just gets worse. If you stop talking in these forums you'll be found walking aimlessly down a runway somewhere. Don't ya just love it .

If Scott doesn't have the 26cc engine in it normally doesn't take long to get them. Keep the faith.

TomCrump

I suggest the G-26. Zenoahs have been around since the last Ice Age and will be here for the next one. While the others may be good, they don't have the proven track record of the Zens.

I have 5 or 6 of them. I've lost count, but all have been trouble free.