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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks Keith for laying out the basics. In
following Bob P's advice (before he even gave it), Keith got the Webras when we
were flying them and learned from us how to balance pump pressure and
needle. Now He's the expert.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I want to correct that the Webra 145
requires the AeroX/AL sleeve to be lighter than the OS/Mintor. The
standard steel sleeve leaves it about 1.5 oz heavier. If you buy an engine
from Horizon now, or a sleeve, it will be steel. The AeroX was available
from Piedmont and Swift, but may no longer be available, except as an
aftermarket upgrade.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Once you add the weight of the MC servo, its
arm, mounting bracket and setup time, I don't see the attraction to that
engine. If one was willing to do all that, one could get an OS160FX for
even less money and get all the power with the same amount of
fiddling.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I think the fuel economy is more similar
than was stated. but my measurement is being able to fly the Masters
sequence twice on a 21oz tank. Isn't that enough? There's actually a
lot more throttle management in Masters than Intermediate, so maybe things
balance out.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Here are some other comments based on my
experiences: Webras with the steel sleeve burn bearings the fastest, with the AL
sleeve it is tied with the OS (which is next), and the Mintors last by far the
longest as long as the engine is used. Nothing stops corrosion, but the
double row angular contact bearing of the Mintor has twice the load capacity,
which virtually eliminates load related wear.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Mintors pack a punch and as a result
shake a bit more. More care needs to be taken in the header/pipe mounting
if softmounting the engine. The Webra is taller and, even though it shakes
less, can more easily bang the cowling if clearances are close. Webras
have a big square head which makes this even worse.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> OS and Mintors (post June 30 production)
break in fast (about 3 tanks to flight worthiness), Webras take longer to break
in right (> 1 gal). I know many have claimed flying Webras out of the
box, but none of the FIVE I own(ed) ever broke in that easily.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> OS and Mintors share the same mounting
holes, nose ring, prop distance and, exhaust mounting and headers.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Mixture control can be made
linear for all engines but the Mintor has a leaner midrange to start with so the
rest of the tuning is easier. Obviously the OS140EFI or MC carb on the
webra can compensate.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> The brass fitting into the aluminum
case on the Webra has failed on my several times. I prefer the bolt
together carbs of the other two. However, the Webra has more low end
adjustment than either the OS or Mintor which can be useful in a pinch (long
term, extreme needle positions indicate other problems to be
solved).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> you need to carry a drive washer
puller with you for the Webra if you need to change the bearings at a
contest.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> the Webra 145 still has the front
mounted needle, the OS is permanently positioned in the rear, the Mintor has a
repositionable rear needle. Obviously the 160 MC carb has a
servo.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>OK, no need for me to post offlist. Please
accept my experiences as genuine and based on real life (not comparing
datasheets). Others may have different experiences, but as least mine are
based on multiple engines all subjected to the same care system.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>--Lance</FONT></DIV>
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