im cheap

Dave, Et Al,

 

Dave, thank for the "experienced" numbers.  I have long been interested in "supercharging" with the following characteristics:

 

1) Cockpit selectable "clutched" operation.

 

2) Simple, limited boost when clutch activated.

 

3) Belt operated and located in place of my semi-useless cowling-located landing light.

 

Here is the reasoning.

 

a) Lancair 320/360s are very slippery and low drag airplanes. Thin air (9000-11000 feet) is great for the wing, less so for the engine).

 

b) Up to 2" Hg "boost" from ram air (free for the asking) has shown its value at 9000 feet when the engine thinks its operating at 7000.

 

c) It would be great to operate at 75% of sea level power at 9000-11000 feet MSL - I could beat blueprinted 360s.

 

d) "clutched" because the SC would only be engaged when "useful".  Some years ago, Mercedes had a clutched supercharger - they gave up because the instant spin up to 20000 rpm seemed to take out the clutches.  Still, 320 CI looking for a little boost  - sometimes...........

 

I'm cheap too.........