REFLECTOR: Alternative engines

[Ron Brown]

Dave, I haven't seen your Chevy V-8 in person, but I have seen pictures.  Gorgeous installation and Velocity.

Now, tell us how you did it.  That is the problem with custom engines - it is hard to share all of the information on how you did it.  Al also did a fantastic installation with his rotary - but again - precious little details for those who want to follow without reinventing the wheel.  

Timothy England did a good job documenting his work - a Chevy V-6 in a Standard Uni-door a few years ago.  I have his video.

Ronnie
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Bertram 
  To: reflector at tvbf.org 
  Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 3:18 PM
  Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Alternative engines


        I have a Chevy V-8 in my Velocity and have about 150hrs on it with no engine problems.  I also have insurance from Falcon ins.  At cruise my engine runs at less than 4000 rpm which is well within its capabilities.  I can go to the local auto parts shop for parts and save dollars.  Also a brand new crate engine like mine is less than $4000.  There are more and more auto conversions out there all the time and those of us who have an auto conversion are willing to lend our experience to anyone who asks.  An auto conversion does does bring up some different issues but they can be solved.  I would not hesitate to put a Chevy V-8 in my Velocity again.  I love the power and response I get from running it and have enjoyed showing it at the fly-ins.  

        Dave Bertram
        N350Tx 

        -------Original Message-------

        From: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
        Date: 03/13/08 22:35:19
        To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
        Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Alternative engines

        Well guys, you can take it with a little bit of salt but here are a few
        words from someone that's done it.

        Believe me auto engines in aircraft are not worth the effort.  I spent a lot
        of time and government money seeing if auto engines could be used in
        aircraft while working on some very special aircraft for them.  Not only are
        they not meant to run in the conditions that aircraft do, the cost to modify
        just to get them operating in aircraft is not worth it.  Just ask the people
        at Honda.

        Someone will come back and say the old VW was one that was used and
        successful.  I'm afraid not.  By the time they got in the planes and working
        they were completely re-engineered and they still didn't work all that
        great.  Most came apart at the seams.  Auto engines are not meant to run at
        a continuous high RPM and torsional loads as aircraft engines.  The
        clearances are way to tight for this so doing causing more seizures then the
        loose tolerances of the aircraft designed engines.

        So if you are thinking about putting in a auto engine and strapping on a
        gear box, I would highly recommend that you think aircraft all the way and
        save yourself a lot of grief.  In the end you will spend more money and time
        then if you just put in a good certified aircraft engine. Believe me, been
        there and done that.  Got the cup and tee shirt to prove it.  Just build an
        aircraft and not a half breed. I know this sound a little harsh but you may
        loose a little sleep over it now but if you do go for an auto engine I know
        you will loose a lot of sleep.

        Also I was told by Falcon Insurance that you can't get insurance if you have
        an auto engine in your plane.

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