EngineAir

fco · #1 12-05-2006, 06:27 AM

Does anyone know what happened to the EngineAir auto conversion initially intended for the Lancair IV ?

rv6ejguy · #2 12-05-2006, 09:31 AM

This might shed some light: http://www.epi-eng.com/Prop-SudnStop.htm

Rag in the intercooler caused lots of damage. Good piloting prevented serious injury. Lancairs are known for their high sink rates and many have been injured or worse in forced landings with them.

fco · #3 12-05-2006, 01:39 PM

Thumbs up for the Pilot.

But what I'm trying to find out is whether this engine is still being developped or not. If this project is dead (hopefully not), I don't think it did because of this accident due to a forgotten paper towel ingestion.

I welcome every bit of information though.

[Edited] whoops just noticed this was the engine's website

Thanks

rv6ejguy · #4 12-05-2006, 01:54 PM

I phoned their number in SC. It was disconnected. Appears they may be toast. Another to add to the long list.

Too bad, it was cool.

On the bright side, I received some updates on a V8 powered Wheeler Express and an SVX powered Glassair recently which seem to be working very well. Are you planning another engine type for an RV?

fco · #5 12-05-2006, 02:43 PM

I am planning to set up an aircraft partnership. It may be an experimental or a certified one.

All options are still open and if we go experimental I personally like fast babes as the Lancairs and the RVs.

A good sign regarding the EPI engine is that the bottom of at the home page you can see Copyright ? EPI, Inc. 2006

rv6ejguy · #6 12-05-2006, 03:10 PM

Although I've never had dealings with EPI, they are the only V8 redrive maker who has been around a while and appears to have top notch engineering behind their projects. Their tech articles are top notch, no BS. I don't imagine they are cheap but it sure looks like nice stuff. EPI was doing the drives for EngineAir and some other V8 projects.

fco · #7 12-05-2006, 05:02 PM

OK, that was NOT EngineAir website

I just received an email telling me that this guys are not around anymore

I also read the following: a Lycoming IO-360 with 12:1
compression pistons, re-cut timing gears, dual electronic ignition, and other
minor mods will propel a 360 to 250+ knots burning about 12GPH @ 14,000 ft.

Any clue on who does those Lycoming conversions?

rgbewley · #8 12-06-2006, 07:42 AM

I'm assuming you're talking about the 200 hp angle-head 360.

The first question I have is how long would you expect this engine to last?Not trying to be nasty or anything, but realistically you're talking about a one race engine. And if your ignition timing isn't just right, you're in major trouble. That thing would be a time bomb! Tick, tick, tick.

The IO-390 with stock compression is rated at 210, and we've seen it do as high as 219 on our dyno, so I think there is potential to increase the compression and get some pretty good hp numbers.

I wouldn't even attempt to change the stroke or cam timing. Even in the most capable hands, a stroked engine is "difficult" and our experiments with cam timing years ago yielded no improved performance.

fco · #9 12-06-2006, 09:50 AM

As you can see I'm a complete newbye in this field.

I just visited your great website and learned about the Eggenfellner engine. The 210 turborcharged version looks like a good option for the kind of performance I'm after. Only good comments posted by customers on the designer's site.

I'm going to go through the related posts in this forum to find out more.

William Slaughter · #10 12-06-2006, 10:25 AM

Hey Ross, would that happen to be Buddy Warren's Wheeler Express?