Hi Paul-

 Here are some photos of what I put together to add a heat shield to
 the VAM muffler.  The tabs are a 3/4" standoff, and cover roughly
 240-degrees of the VAM -- about as much as practically possible.  The
 heat shield is .018 SS.  Not much to it really, although getting it
 installed was a bit of a challenge given the engine mount tubes.  I
 think it is going to do a great job for us.  A bit overkill on the
 pictures -- feel free to "edit ruthlessly" to a more appropriate set.

 Ran the engine after getting everything installed; with the blast tube
 hooked up to the cabin air vents, got lots of toasty warm air just in
 the the few minutes of taxiing around.  I suspect routing all the
 blast tube air into the cabin will be just too much heat, so we'll
 have to think of a way to fabricate some sort of waste gate so we
 don't cook.

 Mark  (Rocky Mtn High)

 Thanks Mark. Good pictures.

 Paul Lamar


 Hi Mark,
 Given the propensity for the rotary engine to melt away
 interior muffler parts, please install
 a carbon monoxide monitor in your cabin. We don't
 want you to die! Would look bad for the rotary ; )
 Dave M


How is the interior of your VAM Muffler constructed, can you provide a cut
away drawing?

James Ealey

Muffler's work by rubbing the exhaust gases on surfaces losing energy through
friction. Also pressure is lost in the exhaust system by some heat being
dissipated. Sound is pressure waves.

The VAM works by adding surface area for the gases to rub on.
The central tube provides that extra surface area. In theory the
gases swirl around inside the tangential muffler before exiting.
However the surface area must be cooled so a blast tube is connected
to the central tube. This basic design dates back to VW's in the 1930's.

The 321 SS center tube must be at least .065" wall and 321 SS .090" wall
for extra safety. If this design does not meet your needs on its own it would
be possible of course to install a second low cost automotive muffler
under the engine as the exhaust gases will have cooled off by that
time and lost some  energy.

Paul Lamar