Here is a sketch of the cowl flaps I intend to use on the Kis Cruiser.
I have a turbo engine so I expect about the same amount of HP as
my C182. I therefore sized the cowl flaps the same. You might think
they are too big but I don't :-)

The air cooled  VW engine thermostat shown is a powerful little mother.
It can hold at least 25 pounds when closed so the cowl flaps
will be spring loaded to open. It also moves about 1.25 inches from
closed to open.

Paul Lamar

Michael McGee wrote:

Data point on the cowl flap action-
On the '65 C-182 we had, the detent on the cowl flap control wore out and
they would blow open at speed.  You had to hold them closed during the
descent and they would not stay closed all the way at cruise.  Lot's of air
blowin' thru there.  I don't know if the different cowl shape of the Kis
will act differently.
Mike

Mike McGee, RV-4 N996RV, O320-E2G, Aurora, OR

Good point Mike. Probably don't even need the springs.
Might even need them to help hold the flaps closed against air pressure 
in the cowl :-)

Paul Lamar
 
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