Alternative RV-10 Engine Idea….
 

I have been looking for RV10 project to install our R Series 540 engine to show off its potential and ran across some info that showed the performance difference between the 235-260 lycoming 540.

So, I hijacked the chart and put some estimates of what a RV10 might perform like with one of our new R Series engines?



Now I have no idea it this is true, but I am hearing that most Rv10's are a bit nose heavy. If this is the case an angle valve 540 is totally out of the question considering it is a least 50 lbs heavier. Image for a minute if you could reduce the engine weight about 48lbs but increase the hp to the low 300hp range running on unleaded fuel? This is exactly what is possible if you install R540 or convert your existing 540.

Here is my R540 that I am planning on putting on NXT:


This engine weights only 370lbs. with complete dual Efii dual electric fuel and ignition. Since a normal io540 that Lycoming sells weights about 410lbs in the same configuration, that means you could lighten the nose or if not throw on Air Condition and extra alternator. How about Super Charger system to normalize the engine to 300hp up to 15,000 feet? Imagine the takeoff and climb performance! :cool:



Titan is now accepting orders for the R540 and ACE Performance is setting up shop to convert existing 320/360/540 lycoming engines to R Series. If I can't find RV10 project to purchase without engine to prove out this engine, maybe someone out there would be willing to let me install an R540 for promotion and testing?

Just sayin'

I tried to give you a call this morning but the voice mail is full. If like to discuss options for my build with you asap. Check your PMs or call me at eight two eight 234-4076. Thanks! Tim

RV-10's only seem a bit nose heavy with full fuel and one of two people in the front seats... just like any other load capable airplane (C-182 for example).

If you desire to have the design intended utility (to carry 4 full sized adults plus baggage), moving the C.G. further aft with a lighter engine would be detrimental.

BTW, I think you have a problem with your math.... An empty weight reduction of 132 lbs (?), using an engine claimed to be 48 lbs lighter seems to defy the laws of physics.
Also you mention the R540 weight as 370 lbs compared to a factory Lyc at 410 lbs. That looks to be 40 lbs lighter (not 48). I know you said about, but 8 pounds is a big stretch of the word about (20% difference).

Wish I was a bit further along...
 

Your 540R with the EFII system is exactly what I am going to use. We talked about it at oshkosh last year. Alas, just getting ready to order the finish kit...and you probably need one that is further along...

Thank you for your obvious knowledgable comments. The exercise was intended to get the conversation going, until we actually convert or install an R540 we won't have exact data.

BTW, the difference in weight is actually a min. of 48 lbs (just AX50 cylinders) and as much maybe 70 depending on accessories and configuration. The point is a more powerful engine, that cools better, and runs on unleaded 91 octane fuel. If you want the same weight then this is easily achieved by adding AC and backup alternator.

Or if you don't need AC and extra alternator, move the battery to the firewall and eliminate the long cable run from the tail.

Will the current RV 10 upper and lower cowling work without modifications to them and what is the expected pricing.

:cool:
I think I just found my engine!

HP Numbers
 

What is the Hp WITHOUT supercharger?

Seems like it is 300 WITH Supercharger.

I know you said "about" but it is pretty near impossible to get a 14% (175/153) speed increase out of a 17% (305/260) power increase, unless there are other things (drag reduction, etc) going on. As previously noted the weight cannot be 130 lbs lower with a 40 lb lighter engine. A 6% speed increase would be more in line with the laws of physics. Note the other numbers in the chart suggest that a 11% power increase (260/235) gives a 4% (153/147) speed increase, more in line with the usual "speed varies as the cube root of power" rule.