Downgrading Power plant?

[ImaGuest]

I am currently flying the anaconda, and have about a week to get back to human space. I am at Jacques Station, and at my current pace i may not make it. I would like to keep my current pace. My current jump range is 37. If I downgrade my power plant to 4D, it'll boost my jump range to 40LY. Besides having less power available, what are the downsides to having this power plant? If I get emergency dropped, will the power plant take much more damage then my old 8D powerplant?
EDIT: Same with thrusters, what would be the downside to downgrading my 7D thruster to a 5E thrusters besides slower speed?

[funkynutz]

Don't use D rated power plants. Sure they're light, but you'll be more prone to overheating (not something you want to be dealing with on a 10000Ly journey). If a 4D gives you enough power, a 3A probably will. Use the 3A instead. If 3A isn't good enough, go 4A.

As for your thrusters, 5E would basically make you a slow moving rock that takes half an hour to turn around. Stick with 7D or better. Even with 7D you'll struggle to land safely on some high gravity worlds.

[<Caeris↝]

With downgrading your PP you lose energy, get more heat and also don´t take much dmg. before it get destroyed.
Downgrade thrusters you lose top/boost speed, manoeuvrability, same with pp: it can´t take much dmg. before you lose them and get more heat.

[Turd Ferguson]

lower heat efficiency. you won't be able to get as close to a sun to scoop fuel without frying so fuel scooping will take longer.

can you downgrade to an A-class PP 1 size lower? that will save weight and maintain your heat efficiency.

[morph113]

In general I would always suggest an A rated powerplant for exploration, because of the heat efficiency for scooping and in general, so you are less likely to overheat. Basically take the lowest A rated plant you can get.

If you are happy with a D rated one, you can take that as well of course. 8D is total overkill for an exploration build. Take the lowest which can still power your ship minus cargo hatch and AFM and whatever else you can deactivate.

For thrusters it's the same, for exploration you want the smallest and lightest you can fit. Which are 6D thrusters if I'm not mistaken. Thrusters are for maneuverability and speed, but you don't need those for exploration.

[ImaGuest]

Alright, there are no a rated PPs, so I went for a 5E PP, that good? I also equipped the 7D Thrusters, since it doesn't seem to be worth it.

[Turd Ferguson]

E is going to have the worst heat efficiency. Just be careful when you scoop fuel and don't overheat.

[ImaGuest]

Originally posted by Turd Ferguson:

E is going to have the worst heat efficiency. Just be careful when you scoop fuel and don't overheat.

Ah, so should I just stick with my 4D PP?

[Wolf]

Originally posted by ImaGuest:

Originally posted by Turd Ferguson:

E is going to have the worst heat efficiency. Just be careful when you scoop fuel and don't overheat.

Ah, so should I just stick with my 4D PP?

yes, its lighter, better with heat and if it has enough power fo your system its the better choice
use a 5D if you need more power. E is the used and abused quality power plant :)

[Ottomic]

My rule of thumb is to always grab the smallest A possible. It usually edges out the larger D. Though granted, they tend to be more expensive.

[Arya]

Originally posted by Ottomic:

My rule of thumb is to always grab the smallest A possible. It usually edges out the larger D. Though granted, they tend to be more expensive.

Same. I ran a 4A during my last exploration trip, had a total of 66 LY jump range. 70 if I'd really pushed it and sacrificed some fuel range.