HumanPoweredDesigner
Well-Known Member
I was price checking wreched cars and motorcycles on craigslist, and realized I don't know which would I should be shopping for since most don't state their horse power or cc's.
This is for a FAR 103 ultralight.
I'm worried about vibrations damaging an air frame, so I'm looking for low vibrations. 4 stroke is nice because I heard it can be muffled better, unless 2 stroke can too. I guess there are ways to build a frame for vibrations, but with my skill level and no parachute, I'd like a smoother engine.
Most motorcycles are 1 cylinder or at most 2. Unfortunately those seem to be the only ones in my power bracket.
I bet mopeds have the right amount of power, but I doubt they are 3 cylinders or 4 cylinder.
I think the smallest car engines are 80+ hp.
Maybe a generator would have the power, longevity, and cylinders I want, but I doubt they'd make them light even compared to car engines.
I like the automarket because the fuel is cheap, the engines long lasting, and the engines can be had cheap from crashed cars. The weight of a 4 stroke is actually not all bad since it buffers the vibrations of the engine. Same for reductions drives, I was told. And bigger props. But, a lighter engine would allow a heavier air frame, too.
This is for a FAR 103 ultralight.
I'm worried about vibrations damaging an air frame, so I'm looking for low vibrations. 4 stroke is nice because I heard it can be muffled better, unless 2 stroke can too. I guess there are ways to build a frame for vibrations, but with my skill level and no parachute, I'd like a smoother engine.
Most motorcycles are 1 cylinder or at most 2. Unfortunately those seem to be the only ones in my power bracket.
I bet mopeds have the right amount of power, but I doubt they are 3 cylinders or 4 cylinder.
I think the smallest car engines are 80+ hp.
Maybe a generator would have the power, longevity, and cylinders I want, but I doubt they'd make them light even compared to car engines.
I like the automarket because the fuel is cheap, the engines long lasting, and the engines can be had cheap from crashed cars. The weight of a 4 stroke is actually not all bad since it buffers the vibrations of the engine. Same for reductions drives, I was told. And bigger props. But, a lighter engine would allow a heavier air frame, too.