Canisters or Tuned Pipes??

[RustyTumbles]

I am begining to plan my next project and I would like to use either canisters or tuned pipes. The engine will most probably be a DA50 or DA100 depending on what airframe I go for.

Is there much difference in power between canisters or tuned pipes?? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

[rcdart]

Rusty, first consideration is the airframe, some wont accept pipes, a few even may not take cans.
I have a 100 on pipes in the yak, definateley more power than the other 100 on cans in my extra, but the cans offer more power than std mufflers.
Another consideration can be your intended use, some pipe set ups can be a bit peaky in the mid range, this can be a hinderance in 3D.

My advice, choose an airframe, then investigate suitable options.

[notorious_benny]

Hey Rusty, you have seen the Yaks at Bendigo going with the tuned pipes in em.

I can say that there is a noticable difference between standard exhaust stacks and tuned pipes as I have only just swapped my Yak to a set of KS 1060's.

I am still getting used to the power delivery as there is noticable 'boost' around half throttle. I think the set up is great for IMAC, I am still getting the hang of it for hovering and fooling around though.

I havnt set a throttle curve yet, that might make a bit of a differencce.

[rcdart]

Ben, I have my curve set up so it is great through the middle, and only gives the last boost with the top couple of clicks of throttle

[RustyTumbles]

No sure on the airframe yet, it really depends on what I want to spend. I still like the composite arf extra's. The plane will be setup for IMAC use mainly.

[rcdart]

2.3 extra with a 50, go the tuned pipe, 2.6 with 100, go with cans, easy decision.

[RustyTumbles]

Do the cans cause the peaky midrange as well ? or is that just pipes??

[Supermod56]

Mid range is good on the cans, I have all different set-up's Cans, pipes, Pitts Mufflers, etc, all a little different. For 3D go with cans.
Tom

[dick hanson]

done right -- the pipes work flawlessly on 3D
But
you have to use the matched pipe and prop load setup - too much prop and they fall flat on their face
Understand what pipes do:
they are typically setup to raise the peak torque of the engine to a higher rpm- Tho they can be setup to simply procuce more torque at the SAME rpm as stock-- this is not typical as it is usually a very long setup .
If this is a mystery to you - go with short very short headers and a large open muffler can
--typically these run same rpm as NO exhaust system but simply make the engine very quiet .
There are no magic "one setup does it all" muffler/pipes -- except in the minds of some of the copy writers selling these things .

[3dav8r]

Don't do it unless you really need to. I'm going back to stock DA stacks on both my 150s. Unless you live at high altitude or need to keep quiet I wouldn't waste my time.
-to expensive
-heavy
-throttle curve can be a pain (not that it cant be done)
Its just something else to shack loose.

[notorious_benny]

Rusty I had a good play around and a hover today, I am now getting used to the power delivery on the pipes. With a little tweaking of the curve (took me 3 minutes) it is easy to fly.

I would pay the extra moula as the power increase is quite awesome and more than makes up for the minimal weight increase.

As for pipes shaking loose........ if a pipe can shake loose then it wasnt put in right.

Howie will tell you which pipe/header combo to use once you pick a model and motor. He sent me MTW headers and KS 1060 pipes. The combo is fantastic.

[excelpoint]

Rusty I had a Comp Arf 2.3 with a DA50 and KS 1060 tuned pipe, nice little setup but if you plan on going higher then sportsman you may find you want a little extra power like a 70-80cc. I dont think the 2.6 extra size planes need tuned pipes, the power is awsome on the extra/edge type planes. The Yaks would benifit from pipes due to their high drag airframes. If you stick to an extra or edge just go with cans if the airframe allows for a bit quiter performance.

[RustyTumbles]

Thanks guys Do you need to play around with header length when using cans?? I am leaning towards cans at the moment, as I will probably stay with a 50cc engine and airframe for now (at less until the wedding is paid for). Depending on how many comps I get to this year I'd like to move up to sportsman next year, so I guess there is no need for an unlimited setup just yet.

[rcdart]

Rusty, pick your airframe first, then worry about set up.

[excelpoint]

As Mick said.
If you are thinking Comp ARF then you will need to go pipe on a 50, cost will be about the same.