Zenoah GT-80

[Terry Gauvin]

Has anyone used the GT-80 twin or know of someone who has? I'd looking for information on ease of starting, reliability, smoothness of running, longevity rather than brute power. Thanks.

[Kevin McGrath]

The Zenoah is a commercial engine conversion and as such is heavy by todays standards,compared to a ZDZ for example.It comes with a fixed timing magneto ignition so the idle can be lumpy.It is equipped with a starting spring which adds weight and must be maintained during a season which means removing the engine from the plane.You can add a CH ignition conversion to take care of starting without the spring and the idle but the total cost is then more than a ZDZ which is a far superior engine in every way,as are fox,brison,etc etc......The engine is reliable and will last forever given decent care.If you are buying new the Whole Zenoah line is out of date and overpriced IMO,and I would buy a more modern design.You can sometimes get really good deals on short time used ones since many people are selling them off for all the reasons above.If scale needs are important to you the Zenoah is narrower than many twin 80cc engines because the plugs are slanted back from the heads......

[Terry Gauvin]

Thanks for the info Kevin. I guess what I am concerned about in the end is price, I can't justify $2000 for an engine at this time. $1200 for a Zenoah or Fuji was bad enough. In your opinion, what is the best value for the dollar in the 80cc to 100cc range and where can I get it. Thanks again.

[Kevin McGrath]

Right now the best choice in 80cc engines is ZDZ,IMO..Look up the specs at www.rcshowcase.com.
Their service and warranty are the best around right now.The twin is $825US.Dont rule out their 80cc single,,,,,,,its very smooth,light and develops more power than the twin and the price is $599US.They have a dealer in Quebec which will save you NB sales tax,but compare his prices to buying direct from RC Showcase to make sure.

[AJCoholic]

I have seen Jim Bison's Zenoah 445 (74cc precurser to the GT-80, still available from Great Honnies about $100 less than the GT-80) fly in his Raven giant scale many times. The engine is pretty darn smooth and runs well, according to Jim. I spoke to him about it a few years back when I was considering buying one. He likes it.

If I were looking for a twin gasser and didnt want to shell out for an electronic ignition twin (brison, fox, zdz, etc), I'd give the Zenoah a hard look.

Plus, these engines are VERY easy to find on the used market often for near 1/2 price of new. Take a look on RC Universe swap page for gas engines.

Andrew

[JerrysBigBoy]

I have a GT-80 in a Hangar 9 33% Cap232.
I love it! It was a tossup between the DA100 and the GT-80 but cost, spring start, mufflers not to mention the kit was built for the GT-80 was my deciding factor. The engine has been a very easy unit to mount and run. It has been dependable for the 18 flights so far.

The first start took about 6 tries but since then it kicks on the 2nd flip and runs on the 3rd. It does have that nasty idle torsional pulse you get with a large engine but you learn not to let it idle on the ground for too long.

I was a little dissapointed with the vertical performance. The 26lb bird takes off in about 40' and pulls to vertical but when I try to hover I have the throttle to 90% so there just isn't any extra.

I have a wood 24 x 10 prop that I have trimmed 1/2" off each tip, this seems to give me a little more vertical. Hangar 9 recomends the Bolly 24 x 10

[Kevin McGrath]

Welcome aboard Jerry........where is home?

[Don Bright]

I have one of the 74's. Naturally as some as I purchased it the 80's came out. I did put the C&H ignition on it and a new prop hub [got rid of flywheel and spring starter]. If I remember right it weigths about 4or 5 oz. more than a Zen 62. Been using it just about 2 yrs now and really like it, although it was a bit expensive with the mods. However Its a sweetheart of an engine - very smooth and easy to start. Running a 24-10 Pro Zinger. On the 18 lb. scratch built its in its unstoppable - will pull staight up out of a hover with no problem. Just wanted to add my 2 cents or dollars in this case.
Don

[Terry Gauvin]

Thanks for the info Don