Live Life to the Max!
You will if your current engine is an OS Max, or you're contemplating an OS purchase.
OS engines are the finest made, and only a couple of other brands come close for example, Saito and YS. In regard to these two, Max beats them out on a value basis, in other words, all objective performance measures per unit of cost.
What makes an OS engine so desirable? First, OS uses the finest materials and best manufacturing technology and assembly processes available to produce an outstanding product. Examine the engine casting of any OS engine. It is flawless, and the workmanship is good enough to mount the engine on a presentation stand. The machining of the engine parts is beautifully done. Of course, you'll have to take it apart, which I don't recommend, to appreciate the meticulous and perfectly done manufacturing operations.
I have been reading the reviews on Max engines for years, and I can't recall a bad one. In regard to the various performance parameters in comparison tests, OS generally comes out in the middle of the pack. That is it isn't the lightest or heaviest, or it doesn't make the most or least HP or torque. The reason is OS adheres to a very conservative engine design philosophy to make a reliable product that modelers can depend upon. Not only that, an OS engine with minimum care, will last for many years. Although anecdotal, I know of many old field geezers including my father who are still flying an OS they purchased twenty years ago!
Many model engines are cantankerous and difficult to live with, but this isn't true for a Max. Although OS recommends an abbreviated break in, the engine can be flown right out of the box. The tuning process couldn't be simpler, and even an engine that is badly out of adjustment is unlikely to dead stick on you. About the only way your engine will quit is if it runs out of fuel.
OS offers a two-year warranty, and as far as I know, this is the best in the industry. Also the warranty stations have been known to make repairs even in situations where the owner was obviously at fault. I know of one fellow who flew into a concrete wall full blast, and OS replaced the crankshaft and bearings at no cost!
But what about the modern OS engines? I have a FX 40, AX 46, and an FS-52 S, and I can tell you they are all great. But you don't have to believe me. For example, take the AX 46 which is considered the best
46-sized engine in the world today according to the following (and many more):
Ciao,
Mr Akimoto