I have been racing since January and I think I am ready for a nitro, I have an Sworkz Bk1 that I need an engine for.

I had a re-pinched Alpha 7port (green head) for a little while but the con-rod decided it was time to let go.... Not sure if my mentors had something tuned wrong or if it was a fluke or what. I really enjoyed driving the nitro those two practice days though, and I'm ready to jump in feet first.

The local guys are telling me to run a P5 to learn on(most of them run P5s or OS Speeds). I am no where ready for a 400+ dollar engine.

Is the P5 the end all of beginner motors, or are there other/better options?

It's a great choice to get started. No-brainer.. There are others - Werks, Fusion, Alpha, Argus, etc.. All good. IMO it's actually kind of hard to find a bad buggy race engine these days.. User-input determines to a large extent how "good" and engine will be.

The p5 is a great engine no doubt, however, the BTT is really nice because it is smooth. The FX is another great engine although its prolly more than you want to spend. The picco is another engine that has been showing it lasts a long time and has great power. Not a bad pic for a newer nitro guy. wear is always a factor so that would be a good pic. It tunes easily makes great power and is reliable. The reds 5 port would be another great pic. they have a racer version that is a little cheaper.

p5
btt
fx
picco 5tr or 5tx for more torque
reds r5r

Depending on what you are willing to spend you will need a pipe and header as well.

The nova P5 is a great mill not horrible to tune and will last many gallons
OS engines are always very tuner friendly and deliver great power on the track.
The FX engine has proven to be a solid choice but it's prob +$100 over the other 2
The OS speed is the nicest running engine I have driven but it's not necessary especially when you are learning.

Either way contact James at redrockhobbies he will make you a smoking deal. (Click the blue)

So far I have only ran nitro since I been in Rc,and I tried electric and it just didn't tickle my fancy so to speak ha ha ...
But nowadays you can't really lose with most engines if you are bashing more than racing ,obviously if you are looking to race more your gonna wanna shell out the money for a higher quality mill but..
I have owned a few engines this year and when I raced a few years back and can recommend the ones I have had positive experiences with..

So far I will recommend the FX over all, it just seems to have it all for me that the engines before were lacking..
But these are also great motors
Reds
Novarossi
Werks
Picco
CMB (only available stateside for a few years)

But I'm sure if your looking to spend less than 300
The alpha/argus engines look like a excellent bang for buck

The P5 is a great beginner engine because it's cheap, it tunes well/easily, and it has a neutral sort of powerband where there's power on bottom and some top.
It's also the best quality of the "cheapo" engines.

PICCO 3TZ

$239 easy to tune fast and reliable.