Just got an HPI 5b 2.0, what should I know about the CY23?
While it's NOT the most powerfull engine, it's great for beginners because 2wd RCs are more difficult to drive than 4x4s, and more power only makes it harder to drive on slippery surfaces.
Any particular issues to look for?
Air leaks are the bigest issue with any 2 bolt top end. Check around the seals between the head and the block, and also between the two halves of the crank case. If you see what looks like an oily drip covered with dirt, you have a leak. The best fix for this is to replace the seals with
copper reinforced gaskets, oh and spray a little
permatex copper spray a gasket on each side of it before installation.
Any upgrades I can perform without breaking the bank?
You can install the 8k clutch spring or you can upgrade it to a 26cc engine by buying a
26cc top end and bolting it on. If you're taking off the top end anyway, be sure to use the copper reinforced gaskets I mentioned above.
What's breaking the bank? That number is different for all of us, so here's some more options.
A tuned pipe would really wake up that 23cc engine. Different pipes work best for different aplications, but you can just about buy a new stock engine for the same cost as a new pipe. Prices run from about $140 to about $240.
Eventually, you're internal Tim Allen will take over and you'll want MORE POWER! IMHO the best modified engines for the money are the
Dogpile Wild Child engines. They start at $300 for a complete modified Zenoah long block.
Best oil, plugs, etc?
For break in of new engines, or top ends you'll need to run two stroke dino oil (NOT synthetic). I like to use the little bottle of oil HPI includes in the box with new Bajas.
After your engine's broken in, it's best to run a premium synthetic, or synthetic blend oil that's designed for racing engines. I've found it's much easier to find these at your local motorcycle shops.
Always run your oil/gas mixture at 25 to 1. If you're not sure about how to do this, just get a
ratio rite cup. While there are no marks for 25 to 1, I use the 50 to 1 marks, but I only add half the gas for that column. You use the same amount of oil for one gallon of 25 to 1 as you'd use for 2 gallons of 50 to 1.
I like the cheep NGK plugs. They work so well I use them in my real car too.
I hope that helped you out. These engines are so awsome I havn't run any of my nitros since I got my Baja.
