I spent some time adding TBO and other improvements
  to:http://www.rotaryeng.net/Rotor-v-Piston.html
  on the web site. Have a look.

  Paul Lamar

Regarding the rotary vs. piston comparison:

Not to be contentious, but I would be interested in precise costs of
firewall forward  installs.  Not the pie in the sky stuff about an
experienced rotary enthusiast turning a junkyard motor into a 2000
hr. TBO fire breather, but the actual costs.

Don't get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of the rotary,  It is superior
in every way, and I am determined to fly behind one someday, but we
always talk about how cheap it CAN be, rather that what folks are
actually spending.  We may find that the cost advantage is greatly
diminished for truly airworthy motors.  And no fair omitting the
amount of time spent working on it.  A person's time is not
worthless.  An engineer taking time away from an $80/hr. job is
spending just as much for maintenance as the guy paying and A&P to
work on his Lycosaur.

"Just the facts Ma'am."  (Dragnet)

Chris Cosman

Well if you walk into your local Mazda dealer and order a brand new engine
it is $5800. From there all the way down to a gift that cost zero :)

I think the average person is spending about $3500 for an over
hauled engine.

Paul Lamar


I believe Chris would like to know the basic cost spread between certified and
a rotary, as ready to "kick the tires and light the fires". Now with a rotary
engine we know we need a PSRU, mount plate, specific engine mount that is
different than for conventional engine. Then we need a fuel system. This could
be a carb or use the injection from the donor auto on the low cost end. Then
there is the custom EFI systems with Tracy's included here. Then there is the
issue of cooling the wee beasty, which is not a concern with most AC engines.
Cabin heat also is possibly a different kettle of fish that needs to be dealt
with. Granted, a conventional power plant has to supply this also. An
inexpensive heat muff works. It is to calculate the differences for Chris.

Dale Davies