
If you’re looking to ditch glow fuel and upgrade to a cleaner, more economical petrol engine, the RCGF Stinger 20RE deserves a serious look. Whether you’re flying warbirds, sport planes, or scale models, this compact rear-exhaust 20cc engine punches well above its weight class โ and its ยฃ225 price point makes it one of the best value petrol engines on the UK market right now.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know: the specs, the performance, the ideal airframes, and why the Stinger 20RE has become a go-to choice for hobbyists making the switch from nitro.
What Is the RCGF Stinger 20RE?
The RCGF Stinger 20RE is a single-cylinder, 2-stroke, 20cc rear exhaust petrol (gasoline) engine designed specifically for RC fixed-wing aircraft. It’s manufactured by RCGF โ a brand with a growing reputation for reliable, affordable performance engines โ and is available in the UK through Carbon RC Parts.
The “RE” stands for Rear Exhaust, which is a key design advantage. The exhaust exits toward the rear of the aircraft rather than out the side, making it far easier to route exhaust tubing cleanly in narrow fuselages โ no awkward bends, no ugly external pipes.
RCGF Stinger 20RE Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the key numbers:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 20cc |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder 2-stroke |
| Bore | 32mm |
| Stroke | 24mm |
| Power Output | 2.8 HP |
| Weight (with muffler & CDI) | 798g / 28.15oz |
| RPM Range | 1,500 โ 10,500 |
| Recommended Props | 14ร10, 15ร8, 16ร6, 16ร8, 17ร6 |
| Fuel | Petrol / 2-cycle oil at 30:1 |
| Static Thrust (sea level) | 14.2 lb |
| Static Thrust (1800m) | 12.8 lb |
| Spark Plug | M8 1/4-32 |
| Carburetor | Walbro pumper |
| Price | ยฃ225.00 |
2.8 HP from a 798g engine is an excellent power-to-weight ratio, making the Stinger 20RE competitive with larger, heavier alternatives.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Rear Exhaust Design
The single biggest selling point is in the name. Rear exhaust routing is a game-changer for anyone flying warbirds or narrow-fuselage scale models โ the engine sits cleanly in the cowl without requiring custom exhaust work. Less airframe modification. Cleaner installation. Better aesthetics.
Walbro Pumper Carburetor
The Walbro carb is the gold standard in RC petrol engines. It self-primes, handles inverted flight reliably, and is well-understood by hobbyists worldwide. If you ever need to tune or replace it, parts and guides are everywhere. No proprietary headaches.
Electronic Auto-Advance Ignition (CDI)
The included CDI unit provides auto-advance timing, which means smoother idle, easier cold starts, and better throttle response throughout the RPM range. For beginners getting into petrol for the first time, this is a significant usability win compared to older fixed-timing ignitions.
Low Weight, High Output
At under 800g for the complete setup (engine + muffler + CDI), the Stinger 20RE is genuinely light. Most comparable 20cc engines come in heavier. That weight saving matters when you’re trying to balance a long-nose scale plane or keep a warbird’s nose-heavy tendencies in check.
Everything Included in the Box
Unlike some budget engines that ship bare, the Stinger 20RE comes with everything you need to get running:
- CDI ignition unit
- Muffler
- Spark plug
- Engine bearer mount
- Throttle arm extension
- Gasket and bolt set
- Instruction manual
You’ll just need a propeller and an ignition battery (6โ14V NiMH, LiFe, or LiPo) and you’re ready to fly.
Who Is This Engine For?
The RCGF Stinger 20RE is best suited for:
Glow-to-gas converters โ If you’re tired of the cost and fuss of glow fuel, petrol at 30:1 mix is dramatically cheaper to run and easier to source. The Stinger 20RE is one of the smoothest transitions available in this displacement class.
Warbird and scale model flyers โ The rear exhaust is specifically designed for narrow, realistic fuselages. If you’re building or flying a Spitfire, P-51, Hurricane, or similar, this engine was made with your model in mind.
Sport flyers wanting more grunt โ At 2.8 HP and a 14.2 lb static thrust figure, this engine will swing a healthy prop and give spirited performance in aerobatic sport planes.
Experienced hobbyists โ The product is rated for experienced flyers, which is worth noting. Petrol engines require more setup knowledge than plug-and-play electric systems, and the Stinger 20RE rewards proper tuning.
Performance in the Field
Pilots running the RCGF Stinger range consistently praise the smooth idle and linear throttle response. The Walbro carb, once tuned to your altitude and conditions, maintains consistent fuel delivery whether you’re at full chat on a vertical climb or throttling back for a slow-speed approach.
The 1,500โ10,500 RPM range is wide enough to give you genuine flexibility in prop choice. Running a 17ร6 at the lower end gives you strong pulling power for larger, heavier airframes; stepping up to higher RPM with a 14ร10 gives you a sharper, more responsive feel for sport flying.
Static thrust of 14.2 lb at sea level is excellent for a 20cc engine, and the drop to 12.8 lb at 1,800 metres (roughly 5,900 feet) is well within normal expectations for any internal combustion engine.
Installation Tips
A few things to keep in mind when fitting the Stinger 20RE:
Use the included bearer mount โ The beam mount configuration is compatible with most standard firewall setups. The included hardware makes fitting straightforward.
Ignition battery selection โ The CDI accepts 6โ14V, giving you flexibility. A small 2S LiPo works well and keeps weight down.
Break-in period โ As with any petrol engine, run a proper break-in procedure: typically a few tanks at mid-throttle before pushing to full power. This seats the rings and extends engine life significantly.
Check prop balance โ An unbalanced prop on any petrol engine will cause vibration and shorten bearing life. Always balance before flying.
Value for Money
At ยฃ225, the RCGF Stinger 20RE is competitive in the 20cc petrol engine market. When you factor in that it ships with CDI, muffler, mounting hardware, and all accessories included โ rather than requiring separate purchases โ the value proposition becomes even clearer.
Running costs on petrol are also substantially lower than glow, so the upfront investment pays back quickly over a season of flying.
Where to Buy
The RCGF Stinger 20RE is available now from Carbon RC Parts, a UK-based specialist in petrol RC engines, carbon undercarriages, and accessories. UK stock is normally held, meaning fast dispatch without lengthy international waits.
View the RCGF Stinger 20RE on Carbon RC Parts โ
You might also want to pair it with:
- A carbon fibre propeller for better efficiency and reduced vibration
- An RCEXL ignition system if you’re building a multi-engine setup
- Engine stand-offs for precise firewall spacing
Final Verdict
The RCGF Stinger 20RE is a well-engineered, competitively priced 20cc petrol engine that ticks most of the boxes for experienced RC pilots. The rear exhaust design is genuinely useful (not just a marketing feature), the Walbro carb is tried and trusted, and the CDI ignition makes starting and tuning more approachable than older systems.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, lightweight 20cc petrol engine โ especially for a warbird or narrow-fuselage scale aircraft โ this is one of the strongest options available in the UK today.









