I recently built up a new 15FE for a vintage RS4 2. 2-needle carb, HPI oil catch, and the MSJ Mini Fridge aluminum purple cooling head. The 2-needle carb makes a huge difference in performance and idling. Whoa!
Howdy aut0bahn 💯 - That’s awesome that you are helping to keep vintage Nitros alive‼️. I agree that putting a different carb (OS 10e, upgraded HPI carb, etc) on the 15Fe is a game changer for the engine. - Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment 🩷
Thanks Tasty. Granted it is not the most powerful engine in the world but, yes it does have a unique design. - I’m glad to be able to share some additional information about an engine that some many have used throughout the years The hobby community is a great thing. We all get to learn from one another 🩷
I gotta say I've learned a few things in this video from you, and I thought I was a near expert on these old 15fe engines. You're the EXPERT!! Also super rare 2-needle carb you got. As im watching this im actually working on a rare HPI 15SS engine, the one with the black head and 2-needle carb!
Thanks for the kind words Hybrid 💯. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid - The 15SS is the big sister of the 15Fe. That’s awesome you are working on one. Not only will there be a 15SS on the channel in the future but, will be doing a full rebuild on it. Stay tuned Thanks for watchn’ and being a big part of keeping or beloved Nitros alive 🩷
Absolutely 💯 awesome information bro you are a book of knowledge thanks for the great info breakdown always learning from you well done very interesting video 🤜keep them coming 🫡💥💯🤜🇦🇺
Thanks for the message and I’m happy you enjoyed the vid 🩷 - Yep, Shuwa made a lot of Tamiya engines at the time (with the same cast head, some other heads too) What’s a shame is that I am tearing down two more 15fe engines right now and both look to have very low run time but, both have no pinch. Someone just didn’t know how to break them in and take care of them. These two look to have been sitting for 15+ years and everything was gummed up and not spinning. I had hope when they were at BDC but, no luck. Oh well. They will be good for parts at a later time.
Nice engine. Never seen such boostport design. Awesome. Why would they save on the abn sleeve and not make it abc ? The coolinghead looks really nice too. Great vid bro👍 Thanks for sharing 👊
Hi KingsRc ‼️ It’s is a unique way to integrate the boost port. - My guess on why with decided to use an ABN style sleeve (including the very basic port design) is to keep cost down. These engines were in many RTR cars/trucks and needed a lower price point Thanks for watchn’ 🩷
They must of been made in tandem with a few other manufacturers because my kyosho fw03 came from the factory with a kyosho GT15 engine and it’s identical in every way the earlier fw03 had a O.S max 10fp bx engine
Hi David. Thanks for the comment ‼️ - There we’re over a dozens companies that Shuwa was making that engine/or similar size variant, at me time. If the block said “made in Japan” during the time and it was not an Enya, OS, Saito or YS then, there is a good chance the Shuwa made the engine. - Some OS engines have a similar design but, they were/are a different company. I think a lot of “copy” designs where floating around back then. - The Kyosho GT15 is “same” engine as the 15Fe but, the one I had used a ABC construction. So it just depended on what the end company wanted the design to be. - I appreciate you watchn’ 🩷
@@a2rc good information i always thought they were O.S influenced so that’s why they sell for about £100 for a mint one. I have a nice one OS teamed up with Tamiya thats right on the fs12sw and a few other Tamiya engines
😮 Thank you for the kind words Joe 🩷 - It makes me happy to know you and so many are enjoying the vids. I appreciate you letting me know and also taking the time to write. It’s helps a lot
Love your content. These vintage builds bring me back to my high school rc racing days. Saying that. This particular engine almost made me quit nitro rc racing. Had it in a HPI Super Nitro and had the misfortune to race against Serpent Impacts with NovaMegas in them. Got my a$$ handed to me every single time. After a while changed chassis and engine and returned the favour though 😅. Keep up the good work. Very nice niche RC content.
Hi Yavormarinov. Thank you for taking the time to comment 😄 - I have to admit that it has been great to know the vids have reached so many. Its awesome that you were able to run/race this engine at that time. With hindsight, it’s crazy to think you wanted to use this particular engine to race (especially on a Super and against other engines like Novarossi). - We both know that the Super was released with the 15Fe so, at the time, I’m sure it made perfect sense. I would love to know if you and others, modified the engines, used different carbs, etc to advance the performance. Please let me know - I appreciate you and so many for watchn’ the vids. It’s great to know you enjoy them 🩷
@@a2rc The SNRS4 was my first RC car that wasn't a toy so I didn't have any idea what I was getting myself into. Was very fun driving a nitro car at that time. The only modification I can recall is a machinist friend shaped the intake in more of a cone shape. May have helped, probably not though. You couldn't run the engine hard for too long anyway. I remeber a friend pouring a bottle of water on the cooling head to keep me in one final. Kuddos to the engine for not cracking at that point. Nice to reminisce
@@yavormarinov9561 My first Nitro Touring car was the 1/10 NRS4 2 with a 15Fe so, we are rugs cut from the same cloth lol. I fell hard and very quickly in love and has been a passion ever since - I couldn’t stop myself from club racing in the Hobby store parking lot each weekend. I later switched to the OS 15CV-R. I remember being told by the store Keep that, it would be too much power for the drive train but….. I went for it anyway lol. Never looked back and it is still one of the best balanced engines for the scale and chassis in my opinion Are you working on any new Nitro projects (right now or thinking about any for the future)?
@@a2rc So back then I bough an RB x12 which was a beast of an engine. Way overpowered for the chassis and also quite fun. After that it was time for a real race chassis and I got a Mugen MTX3. That car was amazing. And combined with the RB I won the local championship which was a nice accomplishment for my lack of experience. I found that chassis and engine 17 years later and want to restore it at some point. Managed to find a brand new old stock Mugen as well which is in a box unassembled. My children will inherit it. Also have a few Serpent Impacts from that time in very close to new condition. So a bit of a soft spot for vintage RC. So I'm your type of audience
I know it’s easy to forget about our history/where we all came from, if we don’t take the time to discuss it - This is one of those engines that so many people had during the time. It was our base-line/foundation that so many learned from and later advance ourselves - Granted it is not the fastest, flashiest or even a high power engine but, after 20+ years, there is still a story to tell (if that makes sense 😋) Thanks for watchn’ and for the kind words 🩷
I want to rebuild my .15fe but having a hard time finding a piston and sleeve, is there another sleeve or piston that is compatible to fit it?.. hard to find an original. 🙁
@@SoundStream101 Hi SoundsStream. That’s a great question 💯 - The original piston and sleeve set is really hard to find right now but, they do pop up on eBay from time to time. Because they are rare, at times they can be pricy but, we all have to pay to play to keep these great engines going. It’s worth it - There was one other option but, it’s not really an option at this point. That’s because it was rare to find when it was made. “DuraTrax” made a ABC version sleeve for the 15Fe but, because it was super popular during the time, you can’t find them now anyway Hope that helps a little bit. I appreciate you watchn’ and taking the time to write 🩷
@@a2rc I appreciate your response. I guess I'll just have to keep my eye out, maybe I'll get lucky and find one , it's for my original HPI MT Nitro that I purchased back around 2000 and refuse to get rid of it because I love it so much and it has a great deal of sentimental value to me, but what's really strange is it runs great but it has almost no compression what so ever when I turn the flywheel by hand and blows my mind( cant feel any pinch at TDC) . Maybe I should just leave it well alone "if it ain't broke dont fix it" type of situation lol..I was hoping to keep it original stock condition but there was a few times I've thought about getting the HPI 3.0 replacement, what's your experience with them? Do you think it would be a pretty good substitute?. I'm not quite sure off the top of my head if it was the T3.0 or the G 3.0 but I need the one with the long shaft. Any information or input would be great!.. thanks ✌
I have a backplate with package like new for this engine thought it would be close to fit the team associated 29034 .15 non pull start backplate if anyone wants to make a swap HPI 1658
👍always before i hit play. Full watch time. Great video 😊
Looking forward to this A2 just got to finish my babysitting and I’ll settle down to watch 👍👍👍
I recently built up a new 15FE for a vintage RS4 2. 2-needle carb, HPI oil catch, and the MSJ Mini Fridge aluminum purple cooling head. The 2-needle carb makes a huge difference in performance and idling. Whoa!
Howdy aut0bahn 💯
- That’s awesome that you are helping to keep vintage Nitros alive‼️. I agree that putting a different carb (OS 10e, upgraded HPI carb, etc) on the 15Fe is a game changer for the engine.
- Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment 🩷
Very good video, always learning feom you 👍. Never seen that port design. Unique!
Thanks Tasty.
Granted it is not the most powerful engine in the world but, yes it does have a unique design.
- I’m glad to be able to share some additional information about an engine that some many have used throughout the years
The hobby community is a great thing. We all get to learn from one another 🩷
I gotta say I've learned a few things in this video from you, and I thought I was a near expert on these old 15fe engines. You're the EXPERT!! Also super rare 2-needle carb you got. As im watching this im actually working on a rare HPI 15SS engine, the one with the black head and 2-needle carb!
Thanks for the kind words Hybrid 💯. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid
- The 15SS is the big sister of the 15Fe. That’s awesome you are working on one.
Not only will there be a 15SS on the channel in the future but, will be doing a full rebuild on it. Stay tuned
Thanks for watchn’ and being a big part of keeping or beloved Nitros alive 🩷
Real nice engine ..bro ..cool history lesson too..
Thanks for checkn’ it out 🩷
- Are you working on and rebuilds right now?
Absolutely 💯 awesome information bro you are a book of knowledge thanks for the great info breakdown always learning from you well done very interesting video 🤜keep them coming 🫡💥💯🤜🇦🇺
Thanks Tony 🔥💪🏻
- I’m glad you and many others have been enjoying the vids 🩷
Nice video. Here to show my support. Thank you for the nice detailed entertaining learning video. Awesome. Keep up the great content.🤘🇺🇸👍🥇✌️
I appreciate the support and I’m glad you enjoyed the vid CrazyDad 🩷
awesome engine and great review
Thanks IslandRC. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🩷
- Are you working on a rebuild atm?
Another great video! Thanks! This engine looks exactly like Tamiya FS15LT engine!
Thanks for the message and I’m happy you enjoyed the vid 🩷
- Yep, Shuwa made a lot of Tamiya engines at the time (with the same cast head, some other heads too)
What’s a shame is that I am tearing down two more 15fe engines right now and both look to have very low run time but, both have no pinch. Someone just didn’t know how to break them in and take care of them. These two look to have been sitting for 15+ years and everything was gummed up and not spinning. I had hope when they were at BDC but, no luck. Oh well. They will be good for parts at a later time.
Nice engine. Never seen such boostport design. Awesome.
Why would they save on the abn sleeve and not make it abc ?
The coolinghead looks really nice too.
Great vid bro👍 Thanks for sharing 👊
Hi KingsRc ‼️
It’s is a unique way to integrate the boost port.
- My guess on why with decided to use an ABN style sleeve (including the very basic port design) is to keep cost down. These engines were in many RTR cars/trucks and needed a lower price point
Thanks for watchn’ 🩷
They must of been made in tandem with a few other manufacturers because my kyosho fw03 came from the factory with a kyosho GT15 engine and it’s identical in every way the earlier fw03 had a O.S max 10fp bx engine
Hi David. Thanks for the comment ‼️
- There we’re over a dozens companies that Shuwa was making that engine/or similar size variant, at me time. If the block said “made in Japan” during the time and it was not an Enya, OS, Saito or YS then, there is a good chance the Shuwa made the engine.
- Some OS engines have a similar design but, they were/are a different company. I think a lot of “copy” designs where floating around back then.
- The Kyosho GT15 is “same” engine as the 15Fe but, the one I had used a ABC construction. So it just depended on what the end company wanted the design to be.
- I appreciate you watchn’ 🩷
@@a2rc good information i always thought they were O.S influenced so that’s why they sell for about £100 for a mint one. I have a nice one OS teamed up with Tamiya thats right on the fs12sw and a few other Tamiya engines
Love your content man really well shot and informative content watching on my bus too work 🙂
😮 Thank you for the kind words Joe 🩷
- It makes me happy to know you and so many are enjoying the vids. I appreciate you letting me know and also taking the time to write. It’s helps a lot
Love your content. These vintage builds bring me back to my high school rc racing days. Saying that. This particular engine almost made me quit nitro rc racing. Had it in a HPI Super Nitro and had the misfortune to race against Serpent Impacts with NovaMegas in them. Got my a$$ handed to me every single time. After a while changed chassis and engine and returned the favour though 😅. Keep up the good work. Very nice niche RC content.
Hi Yavormarinov. Thank you for taking the time to comment 😄
- I have to admit that it has been great to know the vids have reached so many.
Its awesome that you were able to run/race this engine at that time. With hindsight, it’s crazy to think you wanted to use this particular engine to race (especially on a Super and against other engines like Novarossi).
- We both know that the Super was released with the 15Fe so, at the time, I’m sure it made perfect sense. I would love to know if you and others, modified the engines, used different carbs, etc to advance the performance. Please let me know
- I appreciate you and so many for watchn’ the vids. It’s great to know you enjoy them 🩷
@@a2rc The SNRS4 was my first RC car that wasn't a toy so I didn't have any idea what I was getting myself into. Was very fun driving a nitro car at that time. The only modification I can recall is a machinist friend shaped the intake in more of a cone shape. May have helped, probably not though. You couldn't run the engine hard for too long anyway. I remeber a friend pouring a bottle of water on the cooling head to keep me in one final. Kuddos to the engine for not cracking at that point. Nice to reminisce
@@yavormarinov9561 My first Nitro Touring car was the 1/10 NRS4 2 with a 15Fe so, we are rugs cut from the same cloth lol. I fell hard and very quickly in love and has been a passion ever since
- I couldn’t stop myself from club racing in the Hobby store parking lot each weekend.
I later switched to the OS 15CV-R. I remember being told by the store Keep that, it would be too much power for the drive train but….. I went for it anyway lol. Never looked back and it is still one of the best balanced engines for the scale and chassis in my opinion
Are you working on any new Nitro projects (right now or thinking about any for the future)?
@@a2rc So back then I bough an RB x12 which was a beast of an engine. Way overpowered for the chassis and also quite fun. After that it was time for a real race chassis and I got a Mugen MTX3. That car was amazing. And combined with the RB I won the local championship which was a nice accomplishment for my lack of experience. I found that chassis and engine 17 years later and want to restore it at some point. Managed to find a brand new old stock Mugen as well which is in a box unassembled. My children will inherit it. Also have a few Serpent Impacts from that time in very close to new condition. So a bit of a soft spot for vintage RC. So I'm your type of audience
@@yavormarinov9561 That’s awesome! Thanks again for watchn’ and keep me updated on your future builds 🩷
Another great informative vid
Your knowledge is amazing 👍🏽👍🏽
I know it’s easy to forget about our history/where we all came from, if we don’t take the time to discuss it
- This is one of those engines that so many people had during the time. It was our base-line/foundation that so many learned from and later advance ourselves
- Granted it is not the fastest, flashiest or even a high power engine but, after 20+ years, there is still a story to tell (if that makes sense 😋)
Thanks for watchn’ and for the kind words 🩷
Awesome video. Great information 💯
Thanks Robrismo. I’m glad you enjoyed it
- I appreciate you watchn’ 🩷
I want to rebuild my .15fe but having a hard time finding a piston and sleeve, is there another sleeve or piston that is compatible to fit it?.. hard to find an original. 🙁
@@SoundStream101 Hi SoundsStream. That’s a great question 💯
- The original piston and sleeve set is really hard to find right now but, they do pop up on eBay from time to time. Because they are rare, at times they can be pricy but, we all have to pay to play to keep these great engines going. It’s worth it
- There was one other option but, it’s not really an option at this point. That’s because it was rare to find when it was made. “DuraTrax” made a ABC version sleeve for the 15Fe but, because it was super popular during the time, you can’t find them now anyway
Hope that helps a little bit. I appreciate you watchn’ and taking the time to write 🩷
@@a2rc I appreciate your response. I guess I'll just have to keep my eye out, maybe I'll get lucky and find one , it's for my original HPI MT Nitro that I purchased back around 2000 and refuse to get rid of it because I love it so much and it has a great deal of sentimental value to me, but what's really strange is it runs great but it has almost no compression what so ever when I turn the flywheel by hand and blows my mind( cant feel any pinch at TDC) . Maybe I should just leave it well alone "if it ain't broke dont fix it" type of situation lol..I was hoping to keep it original stock condition but there was a few times I've thought about getting the HPI 3.0 replacement, what's your experience with them? Do you think it would be a pretty good substitute?. I'm not quite sure off the top of my head if it was the T3.0 or the G 3.0 but I need the one with the long shaft. Any information or input would be great!.. thanks ✌
I have a backplate with package like new for this engine thought it would be close to fit the team associated 29034 .15 non pull start backplate if anyone wants to make a swap
HPI 1658
Thanks for watchn’ 🩷
Soo' thats! Nitro engine have the cylinder head wrong dont have know how 👀. The Open Side of coler Rips Mast Show on caburator Side.
Hi and thanks for watchn’ 🩷
- You can turn the head to the direction your car/truck may need for air flow
@@a2rc That's have too! Turn jes u by right meby better air- flow.
Men don't need gloves
Thank you for watchn’ Tina 🩷