REFLECTOR: Need for speed

[Geoff Gerhardt]

Guys,

Ok, in my pursuit for more speed, I have narrowed down on two mods.
 Definitely will be changing my exhaust - I'm working with Clinton at
Custom Aircraft on this.  He is quoting some pretty big numbers (+18HP) for
switching from the standard Velo exhaust (2x2-1) where each cylinder is
battling the other to a 4-4, we'll see.  I am looking forward to better
cooling as I won't be adding pressure to the lower cowl with the exhaust
hole cutouts (pretty big on mine), and exhausting out the cowl will create
a lower cowl pressure to draw cooling air out.

Now, for the big speed increase, turbo or supercharging (normalization).
 I'm exploring a couple options there.  There's a guy close by who has a
complete RaJay turbo normalization system for an IO-360 off a Mooney.  Its
been rebuilt.  He says its a very simple system, manual wastegate. I still
haven't got a price from him, tho, and I expect it will be $20K+, tho.  The
other option is supercharging.  I talked to the guy from Forced
Aeromotive<http://www.forcedaeromotive.com/homebuilt.htm>yesterday.
Their system sounds pretty bulletproof and simple and provides
8000' of TN.  That is, at 8000', you still have 30", flying at 10,000'
would be like flying at 2000' without it - you get the idea.  It has no
wastegate, the manifold pressure has a redline of 30" that you're not
supposed to exceed, so at a low elevation field, you would not take off
with full throttle, just advance it to 30".  As you climb, just keep
nudging it up to maintain 30".  It is a nice, simple install and costs
~$10K.  Apparently, you can climb like a bastard with it, and can expect
>15kts increase at cruise.  I'm leaning more towards it than the turbo.
 The one big advantage to the supercharger is that it has a pretty cool air
charge (unlike the turbo that, even with an intercooler, the air produced
is hot).

Any thoughts?  Anyone had experience with turbo/supercharging an IO-360?

Geoff
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