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Message
Greetings,
I spent a cold (relative to
Florida) and rainy day at the hanger today, test fitting the new cowl. For
months now, I've been planning exactly how I would fit the intake, radiator,
etc, so today was the day I could finalize the plans... or not. Isn't it
amazing how all the planning in the world can be shot to hell in one day
:-)
First, the stock cowl is
about 4.5" longer than the one I had, which had already been cut to size by the
time I got it. This is good news really, since I can add a 4" prop
extension, and gain some much needed space.
For radiators, I
believe I'm going to use the extra space in the front of the cowl to install two
evap cores in the cheeks. Let's see, two evap cores- two
EWP's... sounds like irresistible symmetry. I'll
have to switch from Fred's starter relocation plate, back to the original RD-1B
plate to get the starter out of the way. The oil filter was on the other
side of the plate, and I have no clue where to put it now.
I should be able to use my
current Setrab oil cooler at the bottom of the cowl, where the stock carb
air intake scoop is. I may have to enlarge the inlet a bit, since it's
only 7 cu in. It will be nice to finally have oil and water separated, so
I can modify the airflow individually. Yes, I learn... eventually
:-)
The biggest problem is
still the intake. I milled down one of the Mazdatrix intakes, just like
Paul Conner did, but I can already see that it doesn't stand a chance of fitting
without some more work, so I'll have to get creative. It's going to
be a really tight squeeze to get the tubes under the cowl, and over to the cold
side of the engine. The throttle body is going to be a tight squeeze
too.
The new turbo (if it ever
shows up) should have plenty of room, and will get better airflow from the cheek
mounted evap core. Now that the rad will be gone from the bottom of the
engine, I may even be able to wrap the exhaust pipe under the mount, and out the
bottom of the cowl. I could even install a muffler, if the new turbo gets
any louder.
The new alternator is the
only thing that will be easy to mount, that is IF I don't get rid of the stock
water pump housing.
I'm sure this is way more
info than anyone cares to read :-)
Rusty (Maybe I can fly
again by Summer)
Turbo 13B
RV-3
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