Opinions on OBR engine choice

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KevTrem

KevTrem

Well-Known Member
Messages
897
Location
Newcastle, UK
Evening all,
I'm considering a new engine for my 30 Degrees North Truck, the current engine is working fine and nothing is wrong with the truck at all. Current engine is a 29cc block, ported head, 2mm long rod and skimmed/ported piston running WT668 carb on stock clutch, 30 Degrees pipe and 19 tooth pinion.

My question is this,
Do I go for the 30.5cc CNC full mod high torque engine or do I go bigger CC (32/34) for approx same HP and similar price??
I bash in open fields but also on a track, I also have no plans to upgrade any drivetrain until it is worn out or broken at this moment in time, I'm also thinking buying a long block due to the amount of spare coils, covers, flywheels etc I have.
 
Thanks for the opinions fella's.
If memory serves me right I can get the 30.5 high torque long block for about £260 from OBR UK, don't really want to drop £460 on the 34 Reed then have to do the upgrades that a friend of mine has had to do to his, puts the project up to about £750 and not willing to part with that on my toy at this moment, plus even with upgraded diffs etc he still doesn't get a full tank before something lets go where as my truck currently bashes and races tank after tank after tank.

I suspect my current engine has an output of a massive 2 maybe even 2,5bhp and shuffles the truck along nicely but as always we always want a little more but keeping reliability is a big requirement hence my thoughts of sticking to the 30.5 high rev or going up to the 32cc, both piston ports, more power but not wild, yet.

Also the reason behind going for OBR based Zen over the normal Zen is I can have a tuned engine for the same as it would cost for bone stock Zenoah, I can get the OBR 30.5 for £260 (ish), but a stock 32 Zenaoh is £250.
For reference a new 29cc 30 Degrees North engine is £140.
 
I really only track run my stock zen 32cc so speed really isn't a concern of mine for the most part. The guys running 34 reeds are faster and can throw themselves into a drift easier than I can. I'll say this though, if I was a good driver, more consistent, the stock 32cc would be able to keep these guys with 34 reeds eating rocks as they are marginally faster off the line. Faster for sure but not blink your eye 1/2 lap up the track faster.

Going reed you can add new linkage and cutting the cage up a bit to your list.
 
I am listening to you all and your opinions and they are valued but don't want to go reed just yet, maybe later down the line.
I've narrowed it down to 3 engines, remember my 30 DNT is stock drivetrain, stock brakes, only additions being bash plates and spare wheel, no additional aluminium.

Engine 1; £300
OBR 6274 - 7.5HP CNC PORTED FULL MOD ZENOAH 30.5CC 4 BOLT LOSI/4WD ENGINE - HIGH TORQUE

Engine 2; £335
OBR 6300 - 7.7HP FULL MOD ZENOAH G320RC 31.8CC ENGINE BILLET CRANKCASE

Engine 3; £335
OBR 6309 - 7.9HP FULL MOD ZENOAH G340RC 34CC ENGINE +2MM STROKE CRANKSHAFT BILLET CRANKCASE

Then the question is do I fit my current WT668 or buy the 1242 while buying the engine.

I'm not going for maximum performance, I want reliability more than a race engine that lasts 3 outings.
 
I pretty much agree with monster, no need for the reed if you don't feel like blowing the money. But it's not gonna kill the drive train either.
KevTrem said:
I am listening to you all and your opinions and they are valued but don't want to go reed just yet, maybe later down the line.
I've narrowed it down to 3 engines, remember my 30 DNT is stock drivetrain, stock brakes, only additions being bash plates and spare wheel, no additional aluminium.

Engine 1; £300
OBR 6274 - 7.5HP CNC PORTED FULL MOD ZENOAH 30.5CC 4 BOLT LOSI/4WD ENGINE - HIGH TORQUE

Engine 2; £335
OBR 6300 - 7.7HP FULL MOD ZENOAH G320RC 31.8CC ENGINE BILLET CRANKCASE

Engine 3; £335
OBR 6309 - 7.9HP FULL MOD ZENOAH G340RC 34CC ENGINE +2MM STROKE CRANKSHAFT BILLET CRANKCASE

Then the question is do I fit my current WT668 or buy the 1242 while buying the engine.

I'm not going for maximum performance, I want reliability more than a race engine that lasts 3 outings.
Click to expand...
The 668 isn't appropriate for any of those engines. Get the 1242 or 990, or 1107. Idk if esp kits are available to you, but they have been fine running engines for me.
 
Seandonato73 said:
I pretty much agree with monster, no need for the reed if you don't feel like blowing the money. But it's not gonna kill the drive train either.

The 668 isn't appropriate for any of those engines. Get the 1242 or 990, or 1107. Idk if esp kits are available to you, but they have been fine running engines for me.
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Cheers Sean, yeah ESP kits are available, they add £120 on top of stock Zen engine. Is ESP better than OBR or similar just different manufacturer/machinist?
The price for the 1242 is almost identical to the 1107/990 for me, just see what's in stock when I order.

So, if it was your £400/$500 which engine/carb combo would you buy?

Thanks again btw
 
Out of your list I'd go with the 34cc as it's the same price as the 32. Definitely don't go 30.5. If same price on carb go 1242.

I keep meaning to do a 'cost of racing stock 5ive' thread. Not much breaks on them. I'm having more trouble with tires than driveline.
 
MonsterAir said:
Out of your list I'd go with the 34cc as it's the same price as the 32. Definitely don't go 30.5. If same price on carb go 1242.

I keep meaning to do a 'cost of racing stock 5ive' thread. Not much breaks on them. I'm having more trouble with tires than driveline.
Click to expand...

I've had my 30DNT for exactly a year now and its been extremely reliable, the only things going wrong being a split weld on the stock exhaust caused be me jumping on a BMX track, a bad servo that was replaced under warranty and a worn piston ring that happened same time as exhaust. Other than that everything is stock and running well. I want to keep the reliability just adding a bit more power.

I will probably go for the 34 and was already leaning towards the 1242.
 
I ordered an OBR signature series about three and a half weeks ago. I talked to them last week and they said it was going to ship out Friday, because they were moving, Friday was their last day in their old building. I have not been able to contact them, their phone has been disconnected. I never got a confirmation the engine was shipped and I have no tracking number, so before anybody does anything with O'Brien racing make sure you can get in touch with them first.
 
Waylon said:
I ordered an OBR signature series about three and a half weeks ago. I talked to them last week and they said it was going to ship out Friday, because they were moving, Friday was their last day in their old building. I have not been able to contact them, their phone has been disconnected. I never got a confirmation the engine was shipped and I have no tracking number, so before anybody does anything with O'Brien racing make sure you can get in touch with them first.
Click to expand...

My contact would be OBR UK, a gentleman called Paul Hedges if my memory serves me right, he generally keeps a running stock of the common engines sold.

Dan and Co. are keeping everyone updated via the OBR facebook page about what's happening with the moves, I believe they have the machines in the new shop now, just need levelling and recommissioning. I'm sure they will be in touch with you next week, I'm also sure you'd rather they didn't rush your engine and it have a problem.
 
Contact them via email or Facebook messenger. They are very good with customer care. The move is top priority for them right now because their old building will get knocked down , so they need to move asap.
KevTrem said:
Dan and Co. are keeping everyone updated via the OBR facebook page about what's happening with the moves, I believe they have the machines in the new shop now, just need levelling and recommissioning. I'm sure they will be in touch with you next week, I'm also sure you'd rather they didn't rush your engine and it have a problem.
Click to expand...
+1 👍
 
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