piperpilot1363
Well-Known Member
Good Morning Everyone,
So, in regards to the American Eaglet project I'm working on, I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to stick with the original 45 hp Szekely engine or switch it out for a more modern c-65. The szekely engines had a bad reputation for cracking cylinder heads. The one I have need a significant amount of work but would look and sound right on the airplane. I'm not sure I would trust flying it over much anything (especially in the north east) and I don't want to restore a hanger queen. On the flip side it kills me to ruin the airplane with an engine that looks completely out of place and is historically wrong for the airframe.
That being said a c-65 would increase performance, safety and reliability by a huge factor. What are your thoughts/arguments? I always wanted to restore it to original specs but I don't want ot restore my coffin.
Cheers
So, in regards to the American Eaglet project I'm working on, I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to stick with the original 45 hp Szekely engine or switch it out for a more modern c-65. The szekely engines had a bad reputation for cracking cylinder heads. The one I have need a significant amount of work but would look and sound right on the airplane. I'm not sure I would trust flying it over much anything (especially in the north east) and I don't want to restore a hanger queen. On the flip side it kills me to ruin the airplane with an engine that looks completely out of place and is historically wrong for the airframe.
That being said a c-65 would increase performance, safety and reliability by a huge factor. What are your thoughts/arguments? I always wanted to restore it to original specs but I don't want ot restore my coffin.
Cheers
