Paul,

Just wanted to let the group know that N981MP, a Long Ez, with a Mazda
13B made its first flight
today from Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) Florida.  After many
high speed taxis I made one trip
around the pattern.

The engine is a 1988 13B with Tracys' EC2 and RD-1.  The biggest problem
I was concerned with
was the cooling.  I basically used the same setup Tracy used on his RV.
Two AC condensers and
and a after market oil cooler were used for the engine coolant. Two
after market oil coolers in series
for the oil cooler.  The engine would idle on the ground for 30 minutes
without overheating.  The pusher
configuration pulls a lot of air through the cowling if you have it
sealed tight.  I put 10 hours on the
engine before I flew it.

On the short trip around the pattern temps never exceeded 180 - 190 F on
the coolant and 170 F
on the oil.  I think I need a prop with less pitch for takeoff as I was
not able to get the engine much
over 5000 rpm on climb out.

Attached is a photo of the aircraft.  I'll try and get some pictures of
the engine this week and post
them.


Mike Perry
N981MP

Congratulations Mike. Can't wait to see the pictures of
"under the hood". What was the outside air temperature
when you flew it? What brand of prop is that?
Pitch? Diameter? I assume the RD-1 is 2.17:1 gear ratio.