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Originally Posted by gmcjetpilot
That is cool using the power glide and torque converter, YEA! I like that. Hydraulic coupling is awesome. The power glide is bullet proof.
Stupid questions:
Will you use the gearing two fwd gears in flight (takeoff/climb & cruise)?
(you will need at least one gear ratio other than 1:1 right)
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no transmission, I just used PG for example for a place to rob a stout torque converter. Would just use the bellhousing and the torque converter. Think of it as a giant Corvair conversion.
With big enough displacement, should be able to get a decent O-540 replacement. 502 Chevy's are rated ~600 HP at 5000+ RPM. HP curve shows ~ 300 HP available at more reasonable prop speeds (2750 RPM). Subtract say 10-20% for using a carb instead of the auto FI, and losses in the hyd. coupling. hopefully still get around 250 HP.
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Will the transmission case or tail-housing take prop loads?
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probably have to close off the "nose" end of the bellhousing with a bolted plate, to take the prop loads. No tail housing - it wouldn't take those kind of loads anyway.
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The power glide will give a nice aerodynamic nose but how about CG and weight? (long assembly for a plane)
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again, no transmission. Just imagine the bellhousing, torque converter bolted to the flywheel, close off the end of the bellhousing opposite the flywheel with a stiff plate, mount the bearing(s) to the plate. Short splined shaft transfers torque only from torque converter to prop flange. React all thrust and gyroscopic loads in the plate/bellhousing.
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Have you considered a separate prop hub/bearing supported by airframe driven with a short drive shaft? (ie no load on transmission)
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Nah..that puts the hub/bearing cantilevered way out on the end of the mount structure. I'm thinking a very short engine block/bellhousing/bearing assembly. Good point though, a torque converter won't take ANY kind of load other than torque - I think thrust load would destroy it in a second.
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Has any one done this before?
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Never heard of it, but I have seen pics of an ultralight using a complete drivetrain from a motorcycle. Prop mounted on output shaft and capable of "shifting" gears.
Post pictures, please. George
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