Ben Baltrusaitis wrote:

I'm seriously considering turbocharging a Renesis so I will not have to run a 
muffler. What horsepower can I expect?
Will there be any problems turbocharging the Renesis with the complex port and injection design?
And, will we have to use the Mazda injection computer or will Tracy's system work? Thanks!
Ben

I suspect you will be limited to a very modest amount of boost because of
the higher compression ratio of the RX8 rotors. My guess is 5 to 8 psi.
That will continue to be the case until Mazda sees fit to offer a supercharged 
(possibly in the works) or a turbo charged version of the RX8 engine. If the 
official supercharged engine is limited to 5 psi or so boost it too may not have lower 
compression rotors either. A turbo charger is still a worthwhile thing to do as 
the engine could be flat rated to rather high altitude where the aerodynamic 
drag on the airframe is much less. Higher cruise speeds would then be possible.

Tracy's computer will work fine and the RX8 engine has somewhat lower exhaust temps
which will be easier on the turbo charger.

The RX8 engines intake manifold system is designed to generate high torque
at low RPM's necessary for viable automotive use. Totally unnecessary in
an aircraft engine. A simple tuned low profile intake manifold with four injectors
is called for to optimize either cruise BSFC or max power. To get the max
benefit from an RX8 engine you will need a 2.85:1 or a 3.17:1 PSRU so
the engine can turn up while the prop is still limited to around
2700 RPM. My RX8 has a sweet spot at 5000 to 6000 RPM and
100 to 110 MPH cruise. It just breezes along not working very hard.

Paul Lamar
 
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