03-19-2015, 07:26 AM
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Near Louisville, KY
Joined Jan 2006
3,822 Posts
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sarlacc
I hate to bring up old topics, but I have a question for anyone who has had a 55ra in this airframe and stepped up to a larger engine. Do I think this airframe needs anything more then a 55? No, I like the way it flys as it sits. But just like any other hobby, bigger is better...right?
I am looking at some options DA-60, EME 70, and DLE 61. I have a DLE 61 so there is no money to burn.
Question 1 - how bad do you have to carve up the cowl to get a DLE61 in there with the stock muffler? I don't want to go pitts because of the additional weight/no power gain. I don't want to go tuned pipe, minimal power gain, spendy price tag.
Question 2 - I don't like dead weight, so I am running a 16oz tank with my DLE 55, I have seen that the EME 70 likes to suck down fuel, and 32oz tanks are being used thats twice the weight. Is the power gain, and weigh gain kissing a sister here? how about wing loading, is this an issue?
The bottom line, I have another airframe on the way, and I am not sure if I want to start out with another 55ra or something else.
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I have already done what you did. I had an OS55 on a ES Composites tuned pipe and went to an OS60 with the same ES Composites pipe. THere was not much hacking on the cowl but I did get a little more vertical performance. Overall I am happy that I did the switch but if you are getting everything you need out of the plane now then why switch. Also I would not worry about adding a couple ounces here or there on this plane you will not notice that. WIth your getting a new airframe to me it becomes a no brainer....put the larger engine in it and enjoy that awesome power in an awesome airframe. I do disagree with you on the minimal power gain of a tuned pipe, it is nearly 10% and quiets the overall DB way down. So with that said, over the years I have converted some to cannisters/pipes etc and I have yet to have one of them say they regretted doing it.
Jeff
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