Question on Piped versus Muffled engines

I have 2 .60 size engines. A Rustler Merco .61 and a PA .61. (in order at Randy's).
As i do not 'feel ready' yet for the pipe setup, both these will be running on muffler.

Anyone have an opinion on how much power is lost or gained in the muffler versus pipe setup?

>I have 2 .60 size engines. A Rustler Merco .61 and a PA
>.61. (in order at Randy's).
>As i do not 'feel ready' yet for the pipe setup, both these
>will be running on muffler.
>
>Anyone have an opinion on how much power is lost or gained
>in the muffler versus pipe setup?
>
>Norvald Olsvold

While this is only my opinion ( don't want anything to hit the fan). In the current configurations of the piped engine we are gaining some boost. The pipe is more of a muffler and acting as a RPM control device. JMO.

LAST EDITED ON Dec-01-04 AT 03:16 PM (CST)
 
>I have 2 .60 size engines. A Rustler Merco .61 and a PA
>.61. (in order at Randy's).
>As i do not 'feel ready' yet for the pipe setup, both these
>will be running on muffler.
>
>Anyone have an opinion on how much power is lost or gained
>in the muffler versus pipe setup?

Not that much, if any. It's not a matter of power, it's a matter of control. As no less a luminary than Big Jim Greenaway pointed out, sometimes, if the pipe falls off, the engine speeds up.

The PA will run fine without a pipe, it just won't be as adjustable. That might be just as well, because if you can adjust it, you can adjust it wrong.

But I wouldn't suggest that you worry too much about the pipe system, either. You can just put the pipe at 17 3/8-17 1/2" inches and just leave it alone therefter. That will get you about right for a 4" pitch prop. As long as it's in the ballpark, and you just ignore the fact that it can be adjusted, it defaults to a funny-looking muffler. Actually, most people I see would probably be better off if they did EXACTLY that, not just beginners. The only problem with piped systems is that people obsess over adjusting it. It's no more fussy, maybe less so, than a muffler.

I actually want you to run the Rustler/Merco instead, just out of my own curiousity. I saw a prototype at the W/C, and if it runs anything like the 40, that's going to be one nice motor. I already know the PA works.

>>I have 2 .60 size engines. A Rustler Merco .61 and a PA
>>.61. (in order at Randy's).
>>As i do not 'feel ready' yet for the pipe setup, both these
>>will be running on muffler.
>>
>>Anyone have an opinion on how much power is lost or gained
>>in the muffler versus pipe setup?
>
>
> Not that much, if any. It's not a matter of power, it's a
>matter of control. The PA will run fine without a pipe, it
>just won't be as adjustable. That might be just as well,
>because if you can adjust it, you can adjust it wrong.
>
> But I wouldn't suggest that you worry too much about the
>pipe system, either. You can just put the pipe at 17 3/8-17
>1/2" inches and just leave it alone therefter. As long as
>it's in the ballpark , and you just ignore the fact that it
>can be adjusted, it defaults to a funny-looking muffler.
>Actually, most people I see would probably be better off if
>they did EXACTLY that, not just beginners. The only problem
>with piped systems is that people obsess over adjusting it.
>It's no more fussy, maybe less so, than a muffler.
>
> Brett
>
> Brett

Wow! We agreed on something.

>Wow! We agreed on something.

I imagine we would agree on lots of things.

>
>>Wow! We agreed on something.
>
> I imagine we would agree on lots of things.
>
> Brett

YEP!

LAST EDITED ON Dec-01-04 AT 03:44 PM (CST)
 
>actually want you to run the Rustler/Merco instead, just out of my own curiousity. I saw a prototype at the W/C, and if it runs anything like the 40, that's going to be one nice motor. I already know the PA works.

Well i have flown with the Rustler Merco .61 . Only a few flights, as the winter here in Norway has stopped flying for a while.
Just as a lot of people have pointed out, this is a very steady 4-2-4 running engine. Fairly low launch RPM.. Ca 8700 and a 120x6 prop.
Very easy adjustable on the needle.
It had no problem pulling my 68 OZ Intrepid trough the manouvers.
A bit on the noisy side, but i have ordered a CNC type muffler from Leonard to try out.

N/B This is not the new 'Metamorph' that is coming ,but the black one (sold by RSM in US and Ian Russel in Europe)

>N/B This is not the new 'Metamorph' that is coming ,but the
>black one (sold by RSM in US and Ian Russel in Europe)

Oh! That's different. I *was* referring to the Metamorph version.

>I actually want you to run the Rustler/Merco instead, just out of my own curiousity. I saw a prototype at the W/C, and if it runs anything like the 40, that's going to be one nice motor. I already know the PA works.

>Brett
Rustler/Merco Fans-Take a look at SSW classifieds. Yes, they run extremely well but I feel is a little heavy for my project. Again this engine is below half price and is absolutely as new except as mentioned.