Chevy's
 

Any one ready to try Chevrolet V-6's

The 4.3? I don't know... I like the 2.2L supercharged Ecotech...:) I4

Belted power
 

You know about "Belted Power"? They have stuffed many a V-6 into RV's. Check their site. G

Its actually "Belted Air Power".

I have seen a bunch of their setups, look good.

Mike

RV8
 

Has anyone done this to an 8??

Just so everybody knows, Mr Meyers IS, Belted Air Power. The setup is nice although the radiator system is marginal for higher power apps IMHO. Jess are you running lube oil in the bearings now or are they sealed units? I like the B.A.P. setup, the offset of the sprocket or pulley allows the V engine to have a normal thrust line and still fit the cowl. I am worried about the ducting to the radiator, (or lack of it). The cooling can be improved and the cooling drag reduced be carefully ducting a smaller radiator or two smaller radiators placed lower in the cowl.
Bill Jepson

chevy
 

Mr. Jepson, your correct we only need ONE radiator. The system was designed by Dr.M.C.Harrold formerly of Lockheed and cooling was one of his specialities. The upper area of the engine is baffeled off to provide a high pressure above the engine, this applies a slight boost to the carb, keeps the distributor in cool air as the belt is also cooled, the air is then drawn out of the cowl in a low pressure area resulting in good cooling. I know at our field the past few weeks the temp is over 105F. today it's in the 100 degree range a real cold snap and the engine only runs thermostat temp of 190 and the radiator 175. We will be back after the 22nd of this mo. and if you want to fly in it please come out to Vegas, and we will be happy to take you flying and you may witness this phenomenon for yourself. Bring your own gps as results may vary.

Weight Question
 

Jess...

What is the empty weight of N9267Y, your RV-6A demonstrator?

Thanks

Dan Vandenberg

I like it, and I don't like auto engines on planes
 

If you have to ask how much it weighs you may not want the answer. :D Kidding. Forget standard empty and gross weights. Jess is from belted (air) power. I get it rhetorical. :rolleyes: (By the way google belted power works, so there :p )

If you want a "Sport Plane" with light handling you will be compromising it with any auto engine (Rotary being the least heavy). You'll definitely exceed all of Van's recommend weights (debate a way why that is OK). If you are building a cruiser, weight may not matter as much, at least from a handling standpoint.

I think their V6 set up performs fairly well, but none will win a race or set economy standards. No offense just from what I have read. Like most conversions, they are heavier, a little slower and burn a little more fuel (per mile). That's a compliment since many auto conversions are more than a little slower or thirsty.

With that said I really like "Belted Air Power's" approach. Simple, relying on a carb and points ignition and not over priced. Well done. I also like that large cog belt. Again, simple, reliable and harmonics are not an issue.

The harmonic advantage of the belt drive, plus the V6 power pulse, allows use of low priced experimental props, that can't take the pounding of a direct drive Lycoming, so you don't need a $9,000 MT prop.

If you want to be different, it's cool and looks reliable. Clearly they have been working on it for a long time and have (good) history. I like that it's a mature complete KIT for a reasonable price. It has no electronics or EFI to ruin your day. I don't know why they are not more popular. If I was told I had to use an auto engine in my plane (because that is the only way I would use one, no offense just a Lycoming man), this would be on top of my list.

Experience
 

If you are interested in using an auto engine in an airplane, do some research on Jess. You will find out that he has been flying auto engines longer than anyone else. The RV is not his first auto engine in one of his airplanes. Look up some of the old back issues of Sport Aviation and read about his Swift. He has been flying auto engines almost as long (if not longer) as I have been flying. (I got my license on my 25th birthday and turned 49 this year.)