RCV engines limited: Ultra-low-profile 4-stroke engine

There's just something about an unconventional engine design; being incurable gearheads, we're compelled by the combination of oddball mechanics and inspired engineering. If a quirky engine actually works well, it's darn near irresistible. Take the rotary valve 4-stroke engines from RCV Engines Ltd.; we reviewed the 120 in September 2001, and we Loved its compact design and torquey performance. Now RCV has a new Line of ultra-Low-profile 4-strokes for other size applications. The first released is the .58ci RCV58-CD. Its rotary cylinder-valve technology allows an amazingly low engine height-just 66mm (2.6 inches)! That's considerably shorter than a .60-size 2-stroke, not to mention any comparable 4-stroke. Scale model builders take note; this engine will fit tight engine compartments without unsightly holes in the cowl. If it runs anything like its 120 big brother, this engine is a bargain at its expected price of $189.

RCV Engines Limited; distributed in the USA by Wildcat Fuels, Inc., 206 Stephens Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356; (859) 885-5619; fax (859) 885-8549; www.wildcatfuel.com.