Let's get high.

Dan Luke wrote:
"Dave S" wrote:

We are doing initial engine runs/tests on our auto conversion velocity, and
once everything is sorted out, We intend to equip for flight as far as the
low flight levels.


What engine?


Used Mazda RX7 rotary engine, 1989-1992 year range. 4 port/Turbo block.
Estimating 180-200 hp normally aspirated, and we will
turbocharge/normalize it as things progress.

I bought 3 imported j-spec engines off Ebay, condition unknown from a
private seller for $700 USD and got 1.75 useable engines. This was a
gamble that paid off.

Rebuilt and hand ported by moi. After much research and study.

Used the factory manual and haynes manual for specs.
Used a video from Bruce Turrentine in North Carolina for the rebuild
itself - its a great bargain.
http://www.actechbooks.com/mazda_overhaul_13B_dvd.htm

The entire rebuild kit came from him too, about $1100 in seals, springs
and gaskets. As long as the metal is within wear specs, this is the cost
of a rebuild. A brand new engine can be had for $4-5,000 USD. But it
still has to be opened to make some mods that optimize it for
racing/aviation use. Best bet is to get a 1st run JDM engine, or a
wrecked car (not a burnt one, in the case of the RX8)

Using PSRU (2 amu), Engine Controller (1 amu) and Engine Monitor (1 amu)
from Tracy Crook's Real World Solutions, in Florida. he also sells the
rebuild kits. http://www.rotaryaviation.com

Have a cast aluminum intake from Mistral in Switzerland. 2.2 AMU, after
having tried several other homebrew attempts. Its a beautiful,
engineered work of art. Mistral is graciously providing parts support to
the rotary homebuilders, since their engine is heavily based on the same
core concept - the 4 port 1992 mazda block. http://www.mistral-engines.com/

Using engine mount from Fred Breeze from Conversion Concepts.
Unfortunately Fred has been unable to deliver on work for quite a while,
and I hear he's heading for bankruptcy. Lots of guys lost their deposits
with him, and are out $$$. The Cozy Girls are picking up this market
http://www.cozygirrrl.com/


Runs VERY VERY SMOOTH. The plane doesnt shake rattle and roll when
starting (like a horizontally opposed piston engine). Had an air leak in
the MP sense line causing it to run over-rich. Didn't detect that on the
first runs because it was un-instrumented at that point, but with the
engine monitor online with a partial sensor package connected, its
running smoother than ever. When we plug in the oxygen sensor, we will
tune the engine controller to stoich as a baseline for ground and flight
test.

Prolly much more than you wanted to hear about.. but hey.. its our
baby.. And not a whole lot of new innovation on our part. We are
following in the footsteps of other trailbrazers.

Dave

"Dave S" wrote:

[snip lots of good stuff]

Runs VERY VERY SMOOTH. The plane doesnt shake rattle and roll when starting
(like a horizontally opposed piston engine).

I had a little rotary Mazda coupe (RX-4?) about 30 yrs ago that was one of my
favorite cars ever. Very smooth and powerful, if a bit thirsty. Had a 4 bbl
carb the size of a washtub on it. I had it up to 120 mph one time and
chickened out with plenty of room to go before redline. Great engine.

[snip]

Prolly much more than you wanted to hear about..

No way! I hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.

but hey.. its our baby.. And not a whole lot of new innovation on our part.
We are following in the footsteps of other trailbrazers.

That's going to be a great airplane. Can't wait to see it at OSH.

--
Dan
T-182T at BFM