Hi Guys (and gals),
I'm new to the group.  I am building a 4 place Bearhawk.  I am an A&P but I am really interested in the auto conversions as I am a tinkerer.  I won't slam the aviation engine manufacturers too hard as I have flown a lot behind both of their products without any accidents and just a few mild incidents.  I have had a few forced landings in Rotax powered craft and there it wasn't the engine but the "other" stuff to make it go.  I am in the info gathering stage of the rotary at this point.  The rotary's low parts count, inexpensive overhaul costs, and simplicity makes me want to go that route.  I read back through the archives gathering info.  I ordered Tracy's book and papers off the internet and also ordered Bruce's rebuild video.  They arrived at my folk's place but the problem is that those are now in Ohio and I am currently in South America for another month or so. Do I have it right that most of the problems associated with using any auto conversion is using non-aircraft hardware in auxiliary equipment?  I have never seen the eggenfellner package in person but it appears by his photos on the net that he is using standard aircraft oil coolers for radiators and oil coolers.  I know they are expensive but as the locals here say "lo barato cuesta caro" or the cheaper stuff is more expensive.  The aircraft oil coolers are pretty stout but pricey.  That is certainly not to say that if you use aircraft hardware you won't have failures, I think we all know better.  It doesn't appear that the engine has many problems it's the other stuff associated with the conversion.  What are some pointers?

In order to get 180-200hp out of a 13B, does one just need to do street porting?  Is it worth the cost getting things flow tested after porting or is it not worth the expense?  To get 250hp out of a 13B do you do more wild porting or put on a turbo?  Does reliablity go way down if you try to get that much out of a 13B or is it about the same if you can keep it cool?  You don't have burnt valves to worry about! Will the renesis be a better option?  I guess we are all waiting to see how the renesis is going to do.  Would a little mild porting get you up to 250-260hp with the renesis without hurting reliability?  Are the street rodders or anyone else tinkering with the renesis yet? What's the difference in the two versions of the renesis (one power rating for the automatic transmission and another for the manual tranny)?  Does the higher hp version have different porting or just different intake/exhaust manifolds?  Is it just in the ECU?  I think it's fair to say we are fortunate for people like Tracy who are willing to experiment then also share their experiences. Thanks for letting me "bend your ear" and ask the newbie questions.  I look forward to meeting some of you possibly at Sun-n-fun this coming year.  I haven't been there in years but I was into ultralights the last time I was there.  Since I have lived out of the US I haven't been able to go there but now I want to see the different auto conversions.   I am going to try to do my best to get there.  Are any of you in OH, MI, PA, or IN?

Thanks,
Jeff Waltermire