A week or so ago while helping install a new $36K IO360 Continental
on a 182, I had a thought about our engines- and although I did think
of how many rotary engines could be bought for 36K, that isnt what
this about.

The connie had a Y in the intake with a spring loaded split butterfly
that provides automatic alternate air in the event of a primary
intake blockage. While looking at this, it hit me...

If we used a regular off the shelf holley carb or if you prefer a
side draft carb of some version why couldn't we just add an extra
butterfly, smaller, that lets in air around the carb to lean the
engine? Run a hose to the air cleaner and that's all there is to it.

This way the carb jets could be set for max power plus a little rich
for cooling, and we just connect a vernier cable to the other
butterfly to lean the engine. Air that doesn't go through the carb
would cause a lean condition just like any other induction leak, and
the remedy is the same- plug the hole.

Simple, effective, idiot proof. If the engine starts to skip or run
rough, push the red handle in and you are back to mixture baseline.
No altering mixture by changing jets, etc. Easy.

Kevin Alderman


I think that would work.

One of these days I am going to work on my side draft slide throttle Holley :)
Maybe when I get the turbo compound engine done.

Paul Lamar