REFLECTOR: Auto Conversions

[nmflyer1 at aol.com]

 Jack, 
 
I have the NorthWest Aero belt reduction system. Not flying yet, but I have heard good reports about the stage 2 drives from them.
 
Kurt Winker
173 FGE 4.3L Chevy
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: jackprock at comcast.net
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Sent: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Auto Conversions


What has everyone done about a PSRU? Did you have your own built, or did you go for one
of the commercial ones available?
 
Jack
----- Original Message ----- 
From: NMFlyer1 at aol.com 
To: reflector at tvbf.org 
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 8:01 AM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Auto Conversions


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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