jlknolla
Well-Known Member
So I have spent some time going through the forum, files, galleries and such - man what a resource.
But I have some practical questions that I haven't been able to fully address with search and aimless wandering so I want to ask some questions here - some might be dumb so I apologize in advance. Fact/experience preferred, opinion welcome if identified as such.
For background, my mission definition - 1+1 seater (80-90% solo but would be nice for pancake fly-ins/$100 hamburger runs), Fun Flyer/Stress Reliever and entry level IAC competition mount (Primary/Sportsman - some negative G but no snaps - I can fly the Sportsman routine at no more than 4 to 4.5G in an Extra 300L so thinking a light and well-built SIIL should be fine). I hold COMM/ASEL w/Instrument privileges, ~380 TT in 33 make/models - limited tailwheel time (mostly 10-12 hrs Extra 300L, planning to get transition in Champ). I am 6' 2", 200 lbs, 34" inseam, Wifey and Daughter are both about 5' 8" and 120-140 depending on season.
My current thinking - SIIL with big bore Type 1, looking for about 80hp - electric start (due to aerobatics) - only engine mod would be inverted oil (waiting on approval to join Affordable Air Racing site for this info) - thinking AeroInjector or RevInjector with regulated pump for negative G fuel delivery and possibly adding a small 2 gallon acro/header tank under main tank with flop tube - I am leaning towards project vs. flying plane at this time due to cost.
I really see the Sonerai as the winged equivalent of a motorcycle, fun 2-up on limited occasions but really more fun solo - not truly practical (but I can rent practical airplanes all day long, just like I can rent a Camry to travel - looking for something fun to own). Put another way, I can drive my Grand Cherokee up the twisties to get into the mountains if I need to carry a tent and my family, but if I just want to go relieve some tension, I jump on my SuperMagna and groove up the mountain - not as practical but way more fun.
1 - Seems like a built-tested 2180/2276 VW conversion for an SIIL is about $7K from GP or Revmaster, what would it run to build one up from parts - I have not really been able to find piece parts info from GP/Revmaster and something about the AeroVee doesn't sit right with me (not sure what it is) - what are recommendations for DIY books/sites to build a reliable 80hp mill?
2 - Prop options - I totally understand the RPM/thrust issues, and the weight/KISS issue, am curious if there are any legitimate CS/IFA props for the VW's? Looked at Ivo and Warp Drive, saw the Aussie supplier Robin Austin used on his 912 SIIL (seems dead now) - any help here? I would prefer a slower turning/more torque engine with a bigger diameter prop for acceleration/low speed thrust purposes, but this is in no way a hard requirement, the planes are clearly fine with the current prop selections - just require speed management on downlines.
3 - Front vs rear drive - seems to me rear-drive is best low-cost/low-weight solution, but adds engine mount and possible cowling issues - any experience here?
4 - Is there a good reference on the loads/structural analysis (if any) that John used to set the 750/755 lb Acro limit? I know the story on various wing mods which makes it look to be a wing limitation but would like to know more about it.
Anything else based on the above questions is welcome.
Thanks in advance.
But I have some practical questions that I haven't been able to fully address with search and aimless wandering so I want to ask some questions here - some might be dumb so I apologize in advance. Fact/experience preferred, opinion welcome if identified as such.
For background, my mission definition - 1+1 seater (80-90% solo but would be nice for pancake fly-ins/$100 hamburger runs), Fun Flyer/Stress Reliever and entry level IAC competition mount (Primary/Sportsman - some negative G but no snaps - I can fly the Sportsman routine at no more than 4 to 4.5G in an Extra 300L so thinking a light and well-built SIIL should be fine). I hold COMM/ASEL w/Instrument privileges, ~380 TT in 33 make/models - limited tailwheel time (mostly 10-12 hrs Extra 300L, planning to get transition in Champ). I am 6' 2", 200 lbs, 34" inseam, Wifey and Daughter are both about 5' 8" and 120-140 depending on season.
My current thinking - SIIL with big bore Type 1, looking for about 80hp - electric start (due to aerobatics) - only engine mod would be inverted oil (waiting on approval to join Affordable Air Racing site for this info) - thinking AeroInjector or RevInjector with regulated pump for negative G fuel delivery and possibly adding a small 2 gallon acro/header tank under main tank with flop tube - I am leaning towards project vs. flying plane at this time due to cost.
I really see the Sonerai as the winged equivalent of a motorcycle, fun 2-up on limited occasions but really more fun solo - not truly practical (but I can rent practical airplanes all day long, just like I can rent a Camry to travel - looking for something fun to own). Put another way, I can drive my Grand Cherokee up the twisties to get into the mountains if I need to carry a tent and my family, but if I just want to go relieve some tension, I jump on my SuperMagna and groove up the mountain - not as practical but way more fun.
1 - Seems like a built-tested 2180/2276 VW conversion for an SIIL is about $7K from GP or Revmaster, what would it run to build one up from parts - I have not really been able to find piece parts info from GP/Revmaster and something about the AeroVee doesn't sit right with me (not sure what it is) - what are recommendations for DIY books/sites to build a reliable 80hp mill?
2 - Prop options - I totally understand the RPM/thrust issues, and the weight/KISS issue, am curious if there are any legitimate CS/IFA props for the VW's? Looked at Ivo and Warp Drive, saw the Aussie supplier Robin Austin used on his 912 SIIL (seems dead now) - any help here? I would prefer a slower turning/more torque engine with a bigger diameter prop for acceleration/low speed thrust purposes, but this is in no way a hard requirement, the planes are clearly fine with the current prop selections - just require speed management on downlines.
3 - Front vs rear drive - seems to me rear-drive is best low-cost/low-weight solution, but adds engine mount and possible cowling issues - any experience here?
4 - Is there a good reference on the loads/structural analysis (if any) that John used to set the 750/755 lb Acro limit? I know the story on various wing mods which makes it look to be a wing limitation but would like to know more about it.
Anything else based on the above questions is welcome.
Thanks in advance.
