OK, now you have REALLY peaked my interest. What kind of "special upgrades" are you doing to your 3Dubs?
Nothing too elaborate David. About three years ago, I started having issues with the ignition module on my 157cs. Somewhere around 35 or so flights. By flight 50, it was really getting bad. I had heard that even though 3W had upgraded their ignitions...(Which was the most recent on the 157) they were still having some issues. I talked to Milton over at RC PowerExtreme. (I think that is the correct name) Anyway, he suggested that he has had "MANY" 3W and DA owners swap out their ignition modules for the RC Excl. I decided it was worth a shot. Especially since the RC Excl is like what? 60 bucks and the o.e.m. replacement from 3W is around $260.00. Ouch! I installed it and I was instantly impressed. Of course I had to also replace the Hall Sensor as well because the 3W Hall Sensor is not compatible with the RC Excl ignitons. I gained an instant 400 rpm. Unequivocally true. So I started playing with the timing and bumped it just a tick. And gained another 100 rpm. And just like all my other engines, the easiest starting engines I have seen. From that point on, I was sold on the RC Excl ignitions. To this day, not a single issue and the 157cs is twisting a solid 6600-6700 rpm. on the ground with a Falcon 32x10 CF. I decided that "IF" I had any problems with the ignition on the 170, that would be the way to go. Well wouldn't you know it? Right at about 30-40 flights on the big Sukhoi...I started having ignition issues with 170. I didn't even ponder the resolution. I instantly ordered another RC Excl ignition module from Milton. By the way, Milton is probably one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Damned determined to help anyone out. And as the 157 improved dramatically, so did the 170. An instant gain in rpm. on the Falcon CF 32x11. Also, I want to mention the transition is lightening quick on both engines. Totally not kidding. Seriously like a "souped up" Ferrari engines. I am completely sold on the ignitions. Fast forward to the 210csts that was on the Yak. It never really ran like I wanted it to. And actually was quite displeased with the performance. When I sold it to my friend in Missouri, Sam...told me that he does the same thing to "ALL" his "Dubs". RC Excl ignition modules. And his success has been the same as mine. He won't run anything but the RC Excl. Sooo...needless to say, he swapped out the ignitions on the 210 I sold him, taught me another neat little trick and what do you know? That 210csts is now "YANKING" around a 70+ pound Decathlon like it isn't even there. He is so proud and pleased with the engine. Damn the luck huh? LOL. Anyway, long story short....I will be putting twin RC Excl ignition modules on the 212 (4). I will bump the timing and add 3W L80 canisters. From what I have learned from Sam as well as others that really know their 3W's....(and even my own inept knowledge, experience and understanding) I am completely convinced I will finally have the performance from that big ass Yak I have been looking for every since I got it. Ya know? I have been toying with numerous options. The ZDZ 180 and shaving five pounds from the airframe. A 3W170csts and shaving the same amount of weight. A ZDZ 210, A DLE 222...(as I have seen the performance of the 222 on my sons P.U.....I-I mean...P.A.U. Edge that weighs basically the same as my Yak. Of all the options I have considered...I decided to go back to my 3W 212 with the upgrades. Especially since I have two brand new Ignition modules here. Might as well use them huh? The only extra cost I am going to have will be the exhaust as I do not have any L-80's. But hey, it's only money right? Can't take it with you. And besides, nothing sounds cooler than a 4 cylinder purring along as it pulls your plane skyward. Something else, A certain individual has made such a big noise about not being able to really 3D or "Huck" a four cylinder. Ha! Tell that to SupaTim and his DLE 222 powered Slick. Tell that Mike Busutil with his 50% Christen Eagle. Tell that to my son with his big Edge. So there ya have it David. Probably much more information than you were expecting. But the story behind the refit and upgrades to the 212 and the Behemoth Yak.
SupaTim's 222 Powered Slick
Sam Noe's 3W 210csts powered 70 pound Decathlon
Mike Busutil's 3W 212 Powered Christian Eagle
