X-Mozilla-Keys:                                                                                 
Bill Freeman wrote:

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Engine durability and power to weight ratio are entirely
different issues. It is going to be hard to beat
the current air cooled aircraft engine in these
regards. Don't underestimate them.

In my  humble opinion the wankel rotary is the only engine
that has a chance and it is going to take a long time to resolve
the cooling and installation and failure mode problems.
Probably at least another five years.

Paul Lamar

   BRAVO - say it again, Paul *louder*.   I heartliy agree.
Most of the "problems" with conventional aircraft engines are
accessory related, and even now with a reasonably good
electronic ignition which includes mag backup (LAZAR-real belt
and suspenders on the ignition!) it is very hard to sell
because (surprisingly) except in starting, idle and exceptionally
high altitudes (for NA engines) there is *VERY* little
improvement for a *bunch* of money.  As old fashioned as
mags are, they generally work quite efficiently for the 95+%
condition for the typical NA aircraft engine - cruise.  Alternators
and starters are another matter, and modern designs (read "much
lighter and smaller") are being installed in many factory birds these days.

BTW - the engine looks *gorgeous* - you aren't going to be
able to sell it once you get it fixed up so nice!  And 150
is still a lot better than driving.  We go out to our cabin quite
a bit and it is a 10-12 hr drive (how close to 100 can you
average in east Colorado?)  and a 3.5 hr flt + a two hr drive.
Besides the view is better in the air.  :-)

Well done on the engine.  Glad I could help with some
suggestions, they worked well for me.

Bill

 
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