RV-6 plenum revisited

whittfic · #1 01-13-2011, 09:26 PM

Some time ago I submitted some photos of an engine plenum project I was working on http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=rv6+plenum . At that time I made the rather bold statement that I would have an update and more photos of the finished product within a couple of weeks. Well, as always life and other priorities tend to get in the way of ones pleasure, so only now some eighteen months or so later can I offer an update of some very slow progress.

The attached photos show a mostly completed system apart from minor fibreglass finishing and painting. The question was asked about how I proposed sealing the gap between the plenum and cowl. After some head scratching I made up flexible ducts using Dan Horton's nicely timed articles he wrote for the forum (Thanks Dan, your idea worked a treat!). A simple screwed down clamping system should provide an adequate seal around the edges of the ducts and keep everything in place. The removable plenum 'lid' allows for easy spark plug servicing etc.

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03338.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03337.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03342.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03340.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03339.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03335.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/q...c/DSC03333.jpg

Enjoy.

Clive Whittfield
Auckland
New Zealand
RV6 Saving up for Skyview!!

DanH · #2 01-13-2011, 10:05 PM

Must be something in the water.....everybody from New Zealand seems to do high quality, creative fabrication!

That's nice Clive.

Beancounter · #3 01-13-2011, 10:09 PM

Clive
That is very nice. You have just inspired me to install spark plug access doors in my james plenum.
Matt

Sig600 · #4 01-14-2011, 12:34 AM

If you feel like skiing Lake Tahoe, I'll give you a free place to stay in exchange for building me one of these!!!

dav1111 · #5 01-14-2011, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sig600

If you feel like skiing Lake Tahoe, I'll give you a free place to stay in exchange for building me one of these!!!

If you prefer the ups and downs with football coaching changes and like Texas Tech Football I will put you up for 2-3 games of your choice to re-build my RV-10 plenum so it looks as pretty as yours.

Bob Axsom · #6 01-14-2011, 05:56 AM

I installed a brace made of aluminum angle from a crankcase bolt to the rear baffle over where the oil cooler is hung. The baffle kit said to do this to prevent baffle cracking back in this area. Mine hasn't cracked in ~7 years of operation with the brace, it may not have cracked without it either and you do have the top cover glass for support so your situation is different. Please take this as an observation comment with no pretense of real knowledge.

Bob Axsom

cbkillion · #7 01-14-2011, 08:10 AM

I don't know about Tahoe but Lubbock is definitely worth it!

steve murray · #8 01-14-2011, 09:13 AM

Wow!

I cannot even imagine this type craftsmanship, truly impressive. I am constantly amazed at what builders are able to envision and create. Nice work. - Steve

Rick of Austin · #9 01-14-2011, 09:34 AM

Yes Vlive, that is the best one I have ever seen and I have looked at lots!
Any performance numbers or temps you can share?
Thanks

erich weaver · #10 01-14-2011, 10:43 AM

The coolest thing is that you have modified the cowling so that the front air inlets are no longer split between the top and bottom cowling - They go with the bottom only (see last photo). Nice dude.

Erich