Engine choice for Encore 40

[Michael Schmitt]

Hi Guys
I'm building a Encore 40 with a sheeted foam wing and Im trying to figure out which engine to go with. A PA 40 ultra light or a LA46. My prior Encore 40 had had a LA46 in them and have worked well for me. This foam wing may finish heaver because it will be entirely painted instead of ultra coat and painted fuse.

I guess the short question is which engine will have more power

thanks

[Zuriel Armstrong]

Howdy Michael,

I think either engine would work great.  It really depends on how clean you want the nose.  Rear exhaust or side.

[James Mills]

Mike,

I'd lean toward the PA 40 lite, I was impressed with how well Charlie Reeves ran in his Super Ares last year at the Nats (and I think Jim Lynch ran one in his the year before as well).  May even weigh less than the OS.

James

[Balsa Butcher]

If $$ no object - PA 40 UL hands down. As an alternative to the OS 46 consider the Enya 40 XZS. A real jewel of an engine and no back plate or needle valve change needed. 

[Dennis Vander Kuur]

The cost of the engines or other suitable engines are not really an issue because Mike already has several LA .46 engines and just acquired the PA engine. The real issue is that his ENCORE 40 fuselage is already partially built and is setup for an LA .46 using a muffler. So to use the PA .40 Ultralight Mike will need to redo the mounting hole setup and also increase the fuselage depth to accommodate the tuned pipe for the rear exhaust PA .40.
DennisV

[Balsa Butcher]

Ahh, that puts a whole different spin on the question. It's easy - go with the LA 46 . Be comfortable with the fact that bang for the stunt-buck it is probably the best deal going. Plenty of power for a plane that size and a very consistent runner.
If you still want to run the PA-40 and the fuselage is not attached to the wing yet, I would just build another fuselage and re-design the front end for the RE configuration. You can always use the .46 fuselage for another project. IMHO this will give better results than modifying an existing fuselage.   

[Michael Schmitt]

Hi Guys
The decision has been made and the  PA 40 ultra lite engine fitted into the fuselage
Thanks for you help
Mike

[Balsa Butcher]

Not too shabby!