Back in November 2004, Walt asked the question of the cost of conversion of a Ryobi 31 cc. For my part, I have done this conversion and I have a great engine for less than $150.00 (less than half than comparable "model airplane" gas engines). With that said, I just read a review of the Zenoah G26 in the latest issue of Fly RC mag. Guess what? My weed cutter Ryobi conversion turns a 16x10 prop at a higher RPM (8,100 vs. 7,260) and idles lower (1,400 vs. 1,860) than the G26. And my tests are at 5,500 ft altitude with 15% thinner altitude, which knocks the crap out of engine horsepower.
As for weight my Ryobi is almost 1/2 pound lighter (51.1 vs. 58.3 oz.). I should add that I added a homebuilt electronic ignition and dumped the stock one pound flywheel/coil assembly.
Granted my $150 total cost doesn't include some of my labor and my friends machining (I owe him a lunch) and my 31cc is 22% larger displacement that the G26 @ 25.4cc.
Therefore my observation is that the engine conversions are at least comparable to other gas engines in their displacement class and cost less. What's wrong with this logic?
How much does it cost to convert the engine to airplane mounting and
> stuff. I have the engine,but don't have a clue what to put it on.I'd
> like to use the standard servos that I already have,radio also.Engine is
> still in the weedeater,so I have to start from scratch.
> Any sugguestions??
> Thanx
> WAlt
>