REFLECTOR: Alternative Engines

[David Bertram]

You are right about the initial cost being the same as a rebuilt lyc vs a
new GM v-8 factory engine.  I am including the radiator and gear reduction
box.  I have used a gear drive that is used widely on airboats.  I talked to
a man from Louisiana that had over 2000 hours on the same engine and gear
box I am using.  Parts are another consideration.  I can get mine at the
neighborhood auto parts store.  For 8 new spark plugs for $12, that might
get you 1/2 of an aircraft plug.  I have over 300 hrs on my engine and look
forward to many more.  

Dave Bertram
N350TX  
 
 
 
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: gstull at tampabay.rr.com
Date: 10/23/2011 11:08:15 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Cc: Chris Barber
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Alternative Engines
 
I know this has been discussed many times, but alternative engines are not
cheaper. The engineering and 1 off install in many cases exceeds what you
could purchase a used Lycoming for. I applaud anyone attempting to use these
alternative engines, but they are much more difficult and time consuming. I
have read or spoken to people who have used them. I have never heard anyone
say that the certified engines are so unreliable that they were installing
an auto engine. With auto engines many times that is the case. They give up
and install a certified engine. Auto engines aren't designed for extended
high power output and don't do well with the power pulses driving a prop. A
typical car engine loafes along at less then 20% power most of it's life. I
ve known people who have had RX7 auto's. The engines just don't seem to have
the durability of a recip. One friend of mine was driving his home with 60
000 miles when the engine just quit. A rotor seal failed with no prior
symptoms. W!
  ith a 4 cyl engine, 1 bad cyl will not make the engine quit. Again without
experimentation, we wouldn't be as far as we are with homebuilts. Be careful
with an auto conversion, there are many people who have had bad experiences
with them. Just my 2 cents from a crusty old A&P.
---- Chris Barber <cbarber at texasattorney.net> wrote:
> With today's first flight using an alternative engine and then another
chiming in that he too is using an alternative engine, I was wondering how
prevalent alternative engines are in the Velocity community. I have always
assumed Lyc and Connie's were so well established that I was pretty much the
only one using an alternative. I know Al Getzen, like me is using a rotary..
.uh, but Al is actually flying.  I guess I have always figured everyone but
me has the money to just cut a check for a new certified fire breather.
>
> I guess my head is so far in the alt eng community it seems more are
attempting.....and with better product and the blessing of the Internet,
succeeding.
>
> Just curious
>
> Chris Barber
> Houston
> Velo SE
> Rotary 13b 2 rotor turbo
> Dynon Skyview EFIS/monitor
> RWS PSRU & electronics
>
> Sent from my iPhone 4
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