I just received the latest copy of the RVator and was pleased when I saw
that the lead story was a description of an RV-8 with a Powersport
installation... until I read it. While I don't believe the author intended
it to be that way, it definitely doesn't come across as a glowing
endorsement of the rotary engine... quite the opposite in fact. Van probably
gladly published it in order to sell more Lycs. I think we need Ed to write
a rebuttal:-)
The author and builders name is Jim Clark. I've never seen any posts from
him here, does anybody know if he is on ACRE? The article describes a few of
the problems they had to overcome and it seems to me that they probably
didn't have the support of a group like this. It sounds like he is having a
fairly high fuel burn, high oil temps and it's loud and was very expensive.
He has another builder friend just completing another Powersport equipped
RV8. The article ends with a paragraph about Powersport suspending
marketing, more or less? Due to economy, supplier problems and higher
priority projects... (I guess he got bored of screwing pilots). Doesn't
mention anything about non-delivery of already-paid-for engines and
redrives.
While Jim proudly gives it the thumbs up, I can't see the article doing
anything to improve the image of the rotary. Ed, your RVator article was
much, much better.

Todd Bartrim (20.3 hours in 7 days... trying hard to get test hours complete
before kid arrives)
 
RV9Endurance
13B Turbo Rotary
C-FSTB
             "The world will always have a place for those that bring hard
work and determination to the things they do."