Experimenter

March 2013

Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.

Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/113663

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substantial airframe kit manufacturer (Sonex). Some Corvair engine conversions also have performed well, while others have not. Subaru engine conversions have been particularly troublesome for most builders, and not because the engines themselves are defective. It is just much more difficult to make an auto engine work in an airplane than most people imagine. Propeller speed reduction unit, cooling, and ignition problems have been particularly common with these engines. Does this mean that you should never buy an auto conversion engine for your plane? No, but you surely need to do so with your eyes wide open and after talking to a number of builders who have been down that road before you. The best airplane engines for your experimental amateurbuilt project fall well within the aircraft designers' basic engine guidelines; they are simple and reliable, and they are easy to maintain and install with good support from the manufacturer. But you, as an experimental builder, can pursue your dreams wherever they may take you. Just remember, the further afield you go with your engine choice, the more of an experimenter you become. Weigh your choice carefully, and be conservative and methodical in your building and test flying. A wise man once said, "There are hazardous ways of doing safe things, and there are safe ways of doing hazard- ous things." Experimenting with airplane engines usually falls into the category of hazardous things. If this is your calling, please do your best to stay safe as you do it. We like having you around. Dave Prizio has built three airplanes and is working on a fourth. He is a regular contributor to Kitplanes magazine and is a member of the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council. Te Lycoming IO-390 engine is an ideal engine for a Glasair Sportsman or the new Van's RV-14, but it is considerably heavier than the parallel valve IO-360. Tis makes it less than ideal for use in a plane like an RV-8, which was designed to use a lighter engine. Sonex has put the AeroVee VW engine conversion to good use in many of its fne, afordable airplanes. Photography by Dave Prizio and courtesy Lycoming EAA Experimenter 53

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