Anyone:

      I want to install a Mazda Rotary on an S-1 Pitts Special.  Where
do I start?  The plans call for a 180 Lycoming but I feel the
rotary would give better performance. I am starting with no
knowledge whatsoever. I assume I could start by modifying the 180
engine mount to accept the rotary? Are there any resources out there
that I could contact. Will probably need a gear reduction system
also.... Thanks for any information you could offer....  Bob

You start by planning ahead very carefully. The easy and quick way is
obtain Rhino 3D and draw everything in scale 3D. The next best way is to
make all parts out of styrofoam and do a full scale mockup. Almost the
last thing you want to do is the motor mount. It is always much cleaner
to start with a fresh piece of paper when it comes to motor mounts. This
whole procedure will save you years  and untold amounts of money by not
having to make or buy parts over and over and then be forced to throw
away perfectly good parts.

I do a free service for people by doing a Rhino 3D layout and then
working with them  to change it for their pocketbook or preferences.  I
have almost all the parts  already drawn. I can give you those drawings
if you have Rhino or
some other common 3D program like Solid Works. I don't recommend
Solid Works for newbies as it is much much harder to learn then Rhino.

Finally there are several services out there that can weld parts for
you. Jerry Hey has a universal welding jig and can weld custom motor
mounts and mufflers.  Tracy Crook makes gear boxes and engine EFI/IGN
control computers for rotaries. Tracy 2.85:1 gear box is recommended for
swinging a large diameter fixed pitch prop for good vertical
penetration.

The big problem when it comes to aerobatics is finding a gear box that
will accommodate a hydraulic constant speed prop. We are just not there
yet and as I understand it an electric constant speed prop does not
change pitch fast enough for aerobatic use. I could be wrong so check
with Hoffman or MT. On the other hand it does not hurt the rotary to
overspeed to 10,000 RPM so this may not be an issue. A piston engine
will hand grenade if over speeded to that extent.

Paul Lamar

Matt Prather wrote:

Lots of Pitt's (most?) run fixed pitch metal props.

 
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