Build log with SDS EFI or EFII System 32

TASEsq · #1 02-25-2023, 03:57 AM

Hi!

Is anyone aware of a good build log where the builder has put a -390 or EXP-119 390 into a rv-14 and used either SDS EFI or EFII System 32?

I’ve watched all of Andrew Kilroy’s excellent videos but was hoping for more detail.

I have been recently told that Aerosport is unable to build me a 390, so I’m looking at ordering an engine through vans to lycoming without fuel and ignition, and I want to try to get my head around how these systems work and whether it would be within my abilities to install such a system safely myself.

I.e. I don’t know I would have the confidence to remove a flywheel and drill holes in it or weld an injector boss onto the intake tube of my $80k engine! 😳

I was hoping that I could simply purchase an engine and specify this system from aerosport, but they can’t do it apparently. I haven’t tried Lycon or Barrett as yet.

The Van’s price for the exp is already $54k (likely $85k landed here in aus) - am I adding significantly to the cost of my engine thinking about this? I just can’t bear the thought of having a nice glass panel ifr machine with such old tech as mags (and an inability to future proof for auto fuels etc).

rocketman1988 · #2 02-25-2023, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TASEsq

Hi!

Is anyone aware of a good build log where the builder has put a -390 or EXP-119 390 into a rv-14 and used either SDS EFI or EFII System 32?

I’ve watched all of Andrew Kilroy’s excellent videos but was hoping for more detail.

I have been recently told that Aerosport is unable to build me a 390, so I’m looking at ordering an engine through vans to lycoming without fuel and ignition, and I want to try to get my head around how these systems work and whether it would be within my abilities to install such a system safely myself.

I.e. I don’t know I would have the confidence to remove a flywheel and drill holes in it or weld an injector boss onto the intake tube of my $80k engine! 😳

I was hoping that I could simply purchase an engine and specify this system from aerosport, but they can’t do it apparently. I haven’t tried Lycon or Barrett as yet.

The Van’s price for the exp is already $54k (likely $85k landed here in aus) - am I adding significantly to the cost of my engine thinking about this? I just can’t bear the thought of having a nice glass panel ifr machine with such old tech as mags (and an inability to future proof for auto fuels etc).

Pretty sure both systems now use injectors fitted to the cylinders instead of welding bungs in the intake tubes.

I am not sure about SDS BUT EFII can install the magnets in the ring gear support for you.

KatanaPilot · #3 02-25-2023, 05:10 AM

I've done one complete SDS system install on my RV-10 (IO-540) and assisted some on another on an RV-14 (IO-390).

1. Given that this installation occurs pretty late in the build process, you have (hopefully) acquired the skills you need to install either SDS or FlyEFII.

2. As Robert said, I don't think you need to do any welding. Certainly not with SDS.

3. The flywheel drilling for SDS is not that complicated. They provide a nice drilling jig that sets the hole locations. Follow the instructions, drill carefully and you will be fine. I still recommend using a timing light to verify the timing settings. Even though we used the jig, we were still off a couple of degress versus the default settings.

4. For me, the wiring was the most complicated. I was concerned both about wiring protection and appearance - so it took a little extra thought to accomplish both. We still have to do some cleanup and are working on hall effect wiring protection. SDS provides some nice mounting holes on the hall effect mount to help with that.

5. I will reach out to the RV-14 builder and see what information he can provide to you. You also have a couple of very experienced builders familiar with SDS down under. I expect they will be glad to provide you with additional insight.

6. Highly recommend Aircraft Specialty/TS Flightlines for the custom made fuel lines (and for all of the other lines too). Tom at TS went above and beyond (as always) to ensure I had high quality hoses.

7. Way off topic - but it's not too late to install Sky Designs ER tanks!

(Early picture before baffle seal re-do)

Toobuilder · #4 02-25-2023, 07:57 AM

Lets also not forget that SDS offers a trick lightweight ring gear carier that has the magnets installed as an option. Conversion to SDS EFI can be a completely bolt on affair.

Mark33 · #5 02-25-2023, 08:51 AM

I’ll just basically echo what others have said by saying that you’ll never regret going with SDS or EFII. I’m also building my -14 with one of these setups. I also have the same system on my -8 and couldn’t be happier. Both SDS and EFII are 100 auto fuel compatible….even if it has ethanol in it. Vapor lock will be a thing of the past because both systems provide fresh cold fuel to the engine via a continuous flow high pressure fuel rail. These systems really modernize these old technology air cooled engines.

I’d also highly recommend Tom’s (TS Flightlines) entire plumbing kit…..he really makes this a plug and play installation.

Both SDS and EFII are basically plug and play as well. Yes, there’s additional work to do regarding the plumbing, but once that’s done, the systems themselves are very easy to install. Also, you absolutely won’t have to worry about any welding or doing anything that requires special skills.

I’m sure you’ll be able to find guidance from others down under, but if you’d like to reach out to me, I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this installation.

rv6ejguy · #6 02-25-2023, 09:00 AM

Les Kearney has a nice site which covers SDS installation in detail and his experiences. Will be adding more photos on his current (4th) build as that progresses: https://rv10.ca/

We keep improving our hardware and electronics based on customer feedback, including more bits with the kits so you don't need to track them down. Always trying to make installation easier.

We're starting to work on the new EM-6 manuals now, will have more schematics and tables. Hopefully this will clarify certain aspects to builders.

Soon we'll begin to make a series of YT videos covering the new features on the EM-6.

rv6ejguy · #7 02-25-2023, 09:03 AM

As Michael mentioned, we offer billet flywheels with magnets installed if you don't want to drill your stock flywheel with our drilling jig.

TASEsq · #8 02-25-2023, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

Les Kearney has a nice site which covers SDS installation in detail and his experiences. Will be adding more photos on his current (4th) build as that progresses: https://rv10.ca/

Thanks! I’ll check out his site.

For either system: regarding the flywheel magnets - do I just ask Lycoming to remove the flywheel and ship it to the vendor to install the magnets? And I get the flywheel with the magnets installed with my EFII kit?

Mike S · #9 02-25-2023, 02:05 PM

I have installed 2 SDS systems, and helped with a third.

Ross provides a billet machined tool to locate the holes for the magnets. He also provides the drill bit, and a tap for the set screws -----included of course----to locate the magnets correctly as to depth.

If you can follow simple directions you can install the magnets.

Toobuilder · #10 02-25-2023, 02:14 PM

Agree that modification of the stock carrier is pretty easy with the SDS kit. THAT SAID, a brand new Lycoming ring carrier has some substantial value on the used market. Is it enough to completely pay for the trick SDS piece? - hard to say. But considering the realtively cheap price Ross asks for his product, it should fetch a fair portion of the cost to just buy outright.