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
 
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