REFLECTOR: Auto Conversions

[NMFlyer1 at aol.com]

Jack, 

 I have a 340 HP aluminum block V-6 Chevy in my 173FGE. The install is 
complete and I am pretty close to engine start. 

I did this because I wanted better takeoff performance at high density 
altitude... the rest will be a bonus. My engine cost me about the same to build as 
an IO-360, so that is kind of a wash. I did buy and build everything brand new, 
 put in all high quality racing parts, etc. 
 A Chevy 350 would actually be less expensive than my V-6 for the same (or 
more) HP, but I didnt want the extra weight and I wasnt sure a V8 would fit ( 
Bill Mullrooney proved me wrong there). 

A couple points:  Unless you copy a flying design exactly... it will take you 
much longer to build. 
My estimate is that it more than doubled my build time going this route. 

Some of those delays were in finding suppliers that would fabricate what I 
wanted correctly (exhaust, welding up the motor mount, custom cam, etc). One 
Hint:  Unless you really have to.. don't tell them you are building an airplane. 
I have had many turn down the job because they were afraid of liability. 
Now... I tell people the parts are for an airboat. (Hey... it will float). 

Use the people that have completed auto conversions for input.  They may have 
great relationships and experience with suppliers. Ron Davis Racing did a 
fantastic job on my radiators, and Custom Aircraft Parts did all my exhaust 
welding (and on my Cherokee too). 
This will save you more time. 

You have to find out just why you want an auto conversion. If you have lots 
of auto engine experience... it is easier, but still takes more time.  If your 
time is very valuable, the savings may very well dissapear in the time it 
takes to install everything. If you just like this kind of thing... it is a 
blast!. Insurance as well as resale values may be a consideration as well. 

Don't think for a second that I am trying to talk you out of auto engines... 
Just trying to shed some extra light. Dave has been flying for a while now, 
and would be a wealth of information (if he feels like answering all those 
questions that come :)  

Best of luck, and feel free to ask all the questions you like. 

Kurt Winker
340HP 4.3L V-6 Chevy (173 FGE)

Update:  Throttle and mixture cables installed (Whew.. they fit. careful 
measurements when the fuel injection is on the TOP! ) Have to make the attach 
brackets this weekend. 
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