OS .50 vs .55

[Flyer2004]

Just wondering if the OS .55 is a worthy upgrade?

[flyingquisinart]

Originally Posted by Flyer2004

Just wondering if the OS .55 is a worthy upgrade?

I think so. I did it and gambled on a used Align branded OS 55 engine on eBay. It turned out to be a great deal. It happened to be one modified with the Magnum Fuels Centerglide rear bearing, which is essentially a very exact tolerance bushing to replace the rear bearing which a lot of people complain needs replacing too often (either 50 or 55, may be the same, not positive).

That said, the OS 50 is such an easy to tune engine and never gave me a lick of trouble, but I was looking for a little more power as my skills grew. The 55 has 3 needles, so I did find tuning had a learning curve, but that's also because I'm looking to get a smidge more power out of it I suppose.

[jbeech]

I'll respond with the opposing view. The difference in power is 1.9 v. 2.1hp and few pilots can tell the difference - I really can't, and I've flown identical models where this was the only difference and to be frank, I'm a pretty decent pilot so experience informs my opinion. What I think happens is a fellow replaces a 2-3 year old 50 with a 55 and is astonished by the difference in power and it's my opinion had he replaced it with a brand new 50 instead he would have experienced the same huge increase because over time these things wear and develop considerably less power than the manufacturer claims. Especially folks flying models which don't offer an air filter to help prolong the life of the engine. The air filter assembly really makes a substantive difference in longevity and why everybody flying a P6 doesn't have it is beyond me.

Anyway, considering the 50% increase in price ($200 v. $300), if you really want to experience a boost in performance then I recommend you spend the extra $100 on a NitroExpress conversion kits. Fit your model with an OS91 instead of an OS55 because then it's 2.1 v. 3.3hp . . . and that is a difference you can really feel. Otherwise, fly the OS50 instead and pocket the 100 bucks.

[tealc]

I know the question is a 50-55 difference so I thought I would throw a pitch into the topic to see if I can get a strike.
I went from a OS 50 to a YS 60sr. To be up front, I am still breaking it in/taking it easy for the first few flights, while running it rich. I have had to open all the needles up from the factory recommended settings, because the engine was getting to hot, did not sound right, and did not produce enough smoke. What I have seen, so far, is little to no difference in power in hovering and slow forward flight. The engine is eating a little more fuel (8min flight with little to no fuel in tank compared to 10min flight with fuel in tank). This could be caused by the fact that I am running it a little rich for the break in flights. Once I get it broke in and tuned, I don't think I will see a great difference in performance. Time will tell but so far I would agree with JB. I might just have to try the Nitro Express set up some day for kicks and giggles.
I do like the fact that the tank is pressurized by crank pressure vs exhaust pressure like the OS 50. So in theory, I should not have to change the clunk line as often. I change it once a year anyway as I don't want to loose a cluck line in flight.
I got this engine new for nearly the same price as a new OS 50 when I worked part time at a hobby store. I needed a new engine after my last crash took out the engine. Thought I would give the YS a go to see if my non 3D but acrobatic flying would see a difference.

On a side note, the YS does not fit that Pantera as easily as the OS 50 does.

[jbeech]

One thing I forgot to comment on is the centerglide bushing Matt's running in lieu of the rear bearing. It will be interesting to see how that performs long term. Keep us posted!

[flyingquisinart]

On the centerglide, so far 2 years and I'd guess 6-8 gallons through it with no hiccups. No rust, no corrosion, so no annoying bearing changes. I didn't have the horrible issues some say, so I really don't know how many bearings I "would have" gone through. Based on my past experience, I'd guess I would have replaced the rear at least once. Seems I had to do it every 2 years. More from pitting than mileage. I also started, this year, the ritual of filling the tank after each day of flying to purge the lines and tank of the exhaust gasses which attribute to the corrosion.

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[flyingquisinart]

I feel nitro maintenance is somewhere in the realm of voodoo, or pitchers in baseball.

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