REFLECTOR:IO360 to TSIO520

[Scott Derrick]

I'm approaching the decision point on wether to buy a TSIO 520 to replace 
the IO360 in my Velocity.

I measured one and it will fit with a highly modified upper and lower 
cowl.   I was actually amazed to see that they are the same width.

I'm convinced I will need to convert to downdraft  cooling.  Has anybody 
retro-fitted the NACA scoops and ducting to a finished updraft V before.

The engine plus the weight I will have to add to the nose will be 
considerable.  In certificated airplanes, installing a larger engine 
usually changes the airplane's GW to a higher gross weight.  I know 
of  some odd modifications like tip tanks for Bo's that add a considerable 
amount to the airplanes legal gross weight .

Being I would have plenty of power for takeoffs, what is the limiting 
factor of a Std RG's gross weight?  Gear legs?  I have heard of people 
doing a carbon fiber wrap on the main legs to beef them up..

Would I need to beef up the firewall in any way to handle the larger engine?

I was thinking about using a older model  C210 engine mount.  This was made 
for a tractor configuration,  would that be ok?

Scott

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