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Patrick,
Good reasons. Number 4 is going to go
away if we don’t do something about the ethanol craziness. I am surprised
people have not died as a result of the corn lobby.
Bill B
From: Rotary motors in aircraft
[mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On
Behalf Of Patrick Panzera
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012
5:51 PM
To: Rotary
motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Top 7 reasons
for using an auto conversion
Here's what I wrote.
I was asked to keep the comments short:
Top
Seven Reasons to Consider an Automobile Conversion
- Cost to install.
When compared to the cost of a new aircraft engine, a fully installed and
properly functioning automobile engine can run 25% to 50% of its certified
counterpart when compared new-to-new.
- Cost to rebuild.
When rebuilding an auto conversion, it can typically be brought to
zero-time with all new parts for what a used yellow-tagged aircraft
crankshaft costs, that’s if your core is serviceable.
- Cost to operate.
Most auto conversions can be operated on automobile fuel, cutting the
per-gallon cost nearly in half. Modern auto conversions have tight
tolerances eliminating the need to add oil between changes.
- Cost to maintain.
Aircraft spark plugs range from $26 to $60 each. Automobile plugs are one
tenth of that and typically require half as many. The same can be said
for virtually every maintenance item.
- Convenience. Nearly
every part you might need to repair or maintain your auto conversion can
be purchased from any number of suppliers in your home town, even on
Sunday, or are a short drive from what ever airport you might have landed
at.
- Smoothness.
Virtually every auto conversion is noticeably smoother than its aviation
counterpart, reducing fatigue on components and occupants.
- Because you can.
Why are we building an airplane in the first place? If all you are after
is the performance offered by homebuilt aircraft, why not just buy one
second hand? Most of us build because we want to build. There’s a great
amount of satisfaction that stems from standing back and saying, “I built
that.” The same applies for an automobile engine conversion, especially if
it’s never been done before.
And remember,
there are a lot of experimental aircraft that were designed (and proven) from
the beginning to use an auto conversion, so many of the points for a certified
engine aren't relevant, and many of the reasons against an auto
conversion also apply to those who would consider installing an
aircraft powerplant where an auto conversion is specified.
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