[davelondon]

Hi all,

I have built a Balsa USA Citabria; specs ask for G23 gas, 2 stoke 60-1.09, or 90 - 120 4 stroke. I have installed an OS 160 i 2 stoke. Anyone out there who has installed such an engin in the Citabria ? Just wondering if it is too much engine for the plane. Friend of mine had a DLE 20 gas and seemed to be underpowered. Dave

Balsa USA Citabria:

Wing Span: 80 inches
Wing Area: 1120 sq.in.
Wing Loading: 23 oz./sq.ft.
Flying weight: 11-12 lbs.
Fuselage Length: 54-1/2 inches
Engine Size: G23 Gasoline .60-1.08 2-stroke .90-1.20 4-stroke

[cassat]

Well how do you want to fly it? Very aerobatic?
Do you think it will be heavier than 12 pounds?
The last one I saw many years ago had a Saito 1.50 4 stroke I believe but drank a bit of fuel
The 1.60 will be more than enough and drink it also
If it was me, I would consider the Saito 125

Dave Too
Just like You

[davelondon]

Thanks Dave,

I have a Saito 125; unit is part of another build. I might consider borrowing it for a while for the Citabria
Anyone out there has run the OS160 in the Balsa USA Citabria ?

[Cougar429]

I have over a half dozen 125s and it is one of my faves. Have it pulling craft up to 13.5 lbs with little strain. It is the equivalent of a 20CC gas.

If you want to prop hang or go vertical you may need to up that to a 150. I'm currently bolting one to the front of a 30CC Pitts Python and hope it has the power. I have the recommended gas engine sitting in spares, but I personally prefer a nice 4-stroke over thinking I'm back working in the bush.

You can have a lot of effect on how it flies by prop selection, as well. There are several different chord styles and material selection for both 2 and 3-blade props. I always try wood for the first few flights to save the engine if things go south, and the other end may be the wide chord, much heavier and extremely rigid grey Graupner props with composite plastic and C?F to add to your choices.

ps. Flew a full size Citabria years ago and lots of fun. Always held a soft spot in my wants for the fleet and hope to add a 1/4 scale or larger some day.

[davelondon]

Thanks Gary, Seems that a 120 4 stroke is the way to go.

[stegl]

Have to agree with Gary on the Citabria ; gotta be one of the prettiest out there in a taildrager . I Had the Nosen Citabria but mine came out on the heavier side. Flew very scale on a Super Tigre 25cc at half throttle. The best was on floats.
If you have the OS 160 on it ; go with that as it is always nice to have that little extra to get out of trouble when needed. If not mounted yet the Saito 125 would be another nice choice if your weight is as you mentioned . If you end up coming out more around 14-16 lbs then the OS would be my choice.

[davelondon]

Thanks Len,

I have the OS160 mounted. When a club member noted that his DLE 20 seemed underpowered, I decided on the OS160. However, having another OS160 in an Aeroworks 72 inch YAK I looked at both planes and thought the Citabria was so much smaller in fuselage size. The weight of the DLE 20 and OS160 are comparable, the OS being only a couple of ounces more, will not make much of a difference in balance.
Keep my fingers crossed that all works out with the OS. Dave

[scaleguy]

Dave make sure you have a 24oz tank for that thirsty 1.60 two stroke slimmer. I'm a GasGuy so if I were doing it I would go with a DLE30. you can run a smaller tank for more flight time and the savings in fuel weight will offset the added engine weight.

[scaleguy]

Is it a full fuse Citabria or the open cockpit Citabria PRO?

[stegl]

For the same size ; gas motors will not produce the power that alcohol burners will but gas will use less fuel. Drag is what requires more power if all else is close to being equal ie weight, wing size and thickness and fuse frontal area, landing gear.