Originally Posted by
III Corps
The -7 engines are wimpy. Not until you get the -9s do you get some decent takeoff performance. The -15s are excellent and if you are fortunate to get -17s, you have the most powerful of the JT8Ds.
I have flown 7s, 9s, 15s, and 17s, but if you want a thrill, try the Valsan (JT8D-217s in the pods with a -17 in the center.) It's a rocket ship.