Plenum Kit options

[b432291]

Bill,
I can go measure my SJ cowl tonight, what is the key dimension for short cowl/long cowl? If I have a "long cowl" quite interested in sending some C-notes for a copy of those most beautiful parts. Are you using Vans parts for the metalwork, or making your own?
Ted

[BillL]

Originally Posted by b432291

Bill,
I can go measure my SJ cowl tonight, what is the key dimension for short cowl/long cowl? If I have a "long cowl" quite interested in sending some C-notes for a copy of those most beautiful parts. Are you using Vans parts for the metalwork, or making your own?
Ted

Ted, I sent PM (email) if you can send me one, it will give me your email. I will email a printable template you can use to check the contour of the cowl at the face of the #1 head/barrel, just in case you might have the short cowl. I don't know how Will shaped that one compared to the longer one.

I used the Vans baffle kit and have templates for making some parts on the front to mate to the plenum. Both sides and back of the Vans baffles are used as well as the under head/cylinder pieces. All mods are related to mating with inlet diffusers.

Meanwhile, just measure the distance from the front face of the head out to the plane of the cooling air inlet. Either side is ok, just tell me which one you measured.

[b432291]

See http://flyingsaylor.com for more pics.

[BillL]

Ted, those measurements (VAF and your photo link) are consistent with my SJ (known to be ) long cowl.

[b432291]

Thank you Bill.

I do happen to have the Van's Baffle kit, so I guess I'm ready in that regard. Please PM me when (I know you are not able to make parts immediately) and where to send the money...

Ted

[Bob Martin]

Ted,
I did the James Plenum on my 0-360 and used the Long Cowl, which looks nicer than the stubby one in my opinion.
I did use the Saber 2.25" extension on the prop.
Vans baffling kit trimmed down and some front end parts not used.
The Engine cooling Plenum does not come in a long cowl version so I had to extend the intakes. I know that is not the best from a design/airflow perspective but it works. (done two of them)
The other mod I did following others before me was to let the plenum overlap the baffling so the screws go in from the top instead of the sides. Much easier to seal two flat surfaces then sliding one in place to screw horizontally.
This was a TON of glass work, not hard, but a lot of work.
I really like the looks of Bill's work and would surely use his parts if available.

[bret]

Made mine out of .060 2024 and vans baffle kit for the angle valve, not flying yet but full power run ups the CHTs are with in 10 deg, 380

[Fhuber]

Ted, I purchased a Plenum kit from Bill and have to say the quality, design, fit and finish are outstanding. The Van's plenum side metal works great with just a few tweaks. Bill provides templates for the two front pieces along with clear directions on putting it all together. You will be very happy with one of Bill's kits, which he sold me for the same price as the Sam James plenum, which requires a lot of rework.

Frank


Building an RV-7A

[Bob Martin]

Bret,
VERY nice work!
Did you use an English Wheel to make those intake transitions from the .060?
Seriously, I followed your thread on them...nice work.

You did install a 1/4 turn very far up front. I stayed back a few inches for fear I could not flex the top cowl over it that close to the front.

[bret]

Diffusers, glass, I give Dan H all the credit for all the stuff he has written over the years, I just hope I built them on par with his theories. On the Skybolts, the first two do not have the retaining ring installed for that reason, I just pull the first two out when removing the upper cowl.