REFLECTOR: Alternative engines

Sun Mar 16 11:09:15 CDT 2008

Ron,

And it does not have to be limited to Automotive either. On my SERG I 
ended up going with the IO-390-X (Mattituck TMX-390). This meant custom 
stacks and a scoop on the bottom of the cowling in order to get air to 
the throttle body. I can only imagine for people sticking a 540 on there 
what they must go through to stuff another 2 cylinders under the cowling.

It all adds up to extra hours.

Richard

Ron Brown wrote:
>  
> 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 <mailto:n350tx at tx.rr.com>
>     *To:* reflector at tvbf.org <mailto: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
>     <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>
>     /*Date:*/ 03/13/08 22:35:19
>     /*To:*/ Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
>     <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>
>     /*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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