Bill Daniels wrote:

I think we would be back to the same problem, the engine can't dissipate
that much heat. Motorcycles don't run at peak output any more than car
engines do and the sustainable power level would be considerably lower.
Not that a Suzuki V8 wouldn't be fun, I don't think it has what it takes
to be a good aircraft engine.

The more I think about it, the less I think any auto engine conversion is
going to do the job well. I'm looking for an old but rebuildable airplane
engine that I can rebuild rather than spend all my money on an engine I
can't trust. I don't mind it not having the certificate and I don't think
that's all that important on an home built anyway.

Tony


These are liquid cooled engines so with a large enough radiator, you could
keep it cool. I think motorcycles do run at higher percentage power than
automobiles - they have a far worse Cd.

Bill Daniels



There was a Neiuport 12 project (two seater) published in Kit Planes a
few years ago. He used a Yamaha engine and transmission - locked in
second gear. (IIRC!)

Real nice article about the airplane and engine.

But no a mumblin' word about how the gearbox cratered a few hours into
the test period.

But, for Pete Sakes! Run a bike at 80% power continuously - in second
gear(!) - what do you expect is going to happen?

TANFL...