Del Cecchi wrote:



Why is it that etec needs special rocket science NASA aluminum that is
really really extra strong and tolerates especially high temperatures in
its pistons? Is there something unusual compared to 4 strokes or
optimax? Don't they use normal cast or forged aluminum pistons?


2 strokes are A LOT about compromises. BRP is going to reduce/eliminate
at least one of the factors... the heat involved in producing top power,
economy, & lower emissions, using new materials that were not available
in 1958.

1958? Well, looking back, the '58 Starflite was huge, heavy, thirsty,
smokey, & cantankerous. OMC rested on their "firsts" for years, never
really getting the V-4, and it's gearcase & carburetion, right until
1969, & then modernized in 1973.

I've got to figure that FICHT & E-TEC motors are MUCH more satisfying to
their owners than those old Starflites. It's amazing how many they sold
even though there were much better choices at Mercury & Scott-McCulloch,
& maybe even West Bend(I can't recall when their inline 4 cylinder
Shark(80hp) came out - I think 1961).

Rob