Plugs up would allow the intake runners to be longer, get the exhaust heat out quicker and make for a cleaner installation.
I would put the second water cooler in the right strake instead of the oil cooler. Run the water from the engine to the left cooler, under the cockpit to the the right and back to the engine. Cabin heat would be picked up from both sides aft of the water coolers.
The oil cooler would be strung under the engine. The way I placed the cooler in the engine compartment cause the exit air to swirl around under the cowl instead of exiting cleanly, requiring an air dam to re-direct it out the bottom.
I'd make another/cleaner iteration of the blower shroud.
Finally, given the electrical dependency, I would have adapted a second, in-line, Harley-Davidson generator to the other side of the engine.
My fiance and I are discussing building an Zenith CH640. If it happens, I'll be back in the rotary game. It'll be plugs up, but the radiators will all have to be up front. I would still use the electric water pump, Harley generators, and Corvair blower.
Great to see your posts on the forum, Ernest. Curious. What would you do differently today if you were building the rotary for the Dyke?!
Best Regards,
George Putnam
Well, that was inspirational. I have the descent rate. I have the forward speed. I can easily calculate the best glide and climb angles from that. Thanks, James.