Engines for a EAB

Tom-D

Tom-D

Taxi to Parking
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Tom-D
the kit requires a 100 horse power engine, would you rather a Rotec or a Continental 0-200?

I'm thinking a IO-240
 
Tom-D said:
the kit requires a 100 horse power engine, would you rather a Rotec or a Continental 0-200?

I'm thinking a IO-240
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Rotax 912s is the only logical choice.

Lighter, proven, reliable, economical to run and maintain, the hot water allows for incredible cabin heat in the dead of winter, burns car gas.

I have 1,200+ hours flying 912's.
 
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What kind of prop will you need? Can you run a short prop at high RPM (ala a Corvair).
 
Tom-D said:
It's a sell ability issue.
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I would avoid two stroke options. Those tend to have lower asking prices on Barnstormers - so I assume you will end up selling for less. Anything heavier than the Rotax 912/ 914 will cost useful load. Some people assume Rotax = bad without making a distinction between the two and four stroke engines, but my 80 horse 912 seems like a good engine.

The Rotec radial engine would add a "cool" factor, but I know nothing about them.

I wouldn't know about the heat with the 912 - the heater core for my ride is still sitting on top of the refrigerator in the hangar.
 
What does the kit usually use? How will the engine choice affect the weight & balance? Changes in engine mount, cowlings because of the W&B change? Changes in engine mount just from differences in mounting holes?
 
Cap'n Jack said:
What does the kit usually use? How will the engine choice affect the weight & balance? Changes in engine mount, cowlings because of the W&B change? Changes in engine mount just from differences in mounting holes?
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In reading the web site they can use up to a 360. I would not even consider a Rotax 912 now that I know the airframe. The Rotec radial would be a fun choice, but IMHO resale and reliability are still unknows. For reliability, resale, and fun factor go with a 8.5 - 1 compression ratio, 0-340, 0-360, or 0-390. Then you can burn far gas.

Before any engine decisions are made talk to a dozen builders that have built and are flying these Cub kits. Our off the cuff choices are not worth spit. The engine decision is a serious one that needs sound reasoning and decision making.

At least Tom has ruled out auto conversions. :D
 
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Rotax vs. Rotec? One of the few times in life you get to say, "Buy the Rotax. It's cheaper."
 
Tom-D said:
Are you confused as to who said what?

I'm not considering any auto engine in any thing I build.

But I would like to see one of these

http://www.cubcrafters.com/carboncubex

powered by one of these

http://www.rotecradialengines.com/0RotecR3600/R3600.htm

might be cool
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I've flown a Fly Baby with the Rotec engine, seemed to operate just fine. IMHO, it doesn't have the "radial sound," since it turns so much faster than traditional small radials.

As far as marketability, I figure you'd have a better chance selling it if it carried a traditional engine. Sure, they'll be the ones who'll say, "Oh, boy, a radial!" but there are probably more who'll ask "Where do I get parts? What happens if Rotec folds or quits selling in the US because of liability? Who around here knows how to work on one?"

If you're assembling it for yourself, sure, go with the funnest option. But if it's a business decision, I'd go with a conventional certified engine.

Ron Wanttaja
 
The Carbon Cub is one of the best designed aircraft in this category, period. If you get a chance, go and look at it thoroughly. Even better, fly it.

Stay away from Rotec for now, believe me...! :mad:

Rotax 912S = good, reliable and logical choice.

But, if it was mine, I'd stick with a good old O-360 :yesnod:.

I would seriously look at the 130HP UL Power too. It's very light and it's a properly designed engine with modern components and features. Price is good too.

Just my 2 cents.
 
lockeed said:
The Carbon Cub is one of the best designed aircraft in this category, period. If you get a chance, go and look at it thoroughly. Even better, fly it.

Stay away from Rotec for now, believe me...! :mad:

Rotax 912S = good, reliable and logical choice.

But, if it was mine, I'd stick with a good old O-360 :yesnod:.

I would seriously look at the 130HP UL Power too. It's very light and it's a properly designed engine with modern components and features. Price is good too.

Just my 2 cents.
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That's pretty much where I am with the choice of engines.
But remember the 180 horse engine on a Carbon cubXP will not land and take off as quick as a stock 0-200-D
 
lockeed said:
Stay away from Rotec for now, believe me...! :mad:
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I'm working on the wings for a Hatz Classic and was considering the Rotec 150hp radial for it. Want to elaborate about the warning? Would appreciate any input.
 
Couple of things:

Very heavy (Rotax 912 is almost 100 pounds lighter :yikes:)
Only 1000hrs TBO (2000hrs for the 912)
Complicated design
Lot's of wires and spark plugs
Fuel consumption
Inferior overall efficiency
Aircraft suffer in performance and cruise speed
Unprooven / reliability unkown
Support?
Local parts availability?


Couple lines from the article bellow:
So, Who Cares?
Again: Who cares? McBean and his crew built the Rotec airplane not for speed or efficiency or cost…

No sane pilot would question the pure “rightness” of the Kitfox carrying a true radial engine, nor would any industry watcher think that it will be the company’s volume leader. “In a lot of ways, we did this to see if we could,” says McBean.


Interesting review of a kitfox with a Rotec. I agree, it looks great! But looks is the last thing on my list when choosing an aircraft engine. An engine that you hopefully, just don't want to see stoping mid air. :nonod:

http://www.kitplanes.com/magazine/fixedwing/Flight_Review_Kitfox_With_Rotec_9572-1.html
 
Tom-D said:
That's pretty much where I am with the choice of engines.
But remember the 180 horse engine on a Carbon cubXP will not land and take off as quick as a stock 0-200-D
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I think the 0-200 with this plane would be a great combo. After all, you just don't need better cruise speed, you need to get in and get out quickly... that's what they're built for.

Even the IO-233 might work really good in it.

Still, if the UL Power proove to be as reliable as they say it is, it's gona be interesting with that 130hp, FADEC multipoint electronic injection and a respectable 1500hrs TBO (for now). Should be increased to 2000hrs when the engine gain more "air-miles".
 
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Forgot to mention, A friend of mine wanted to put a rotec in his brand new Kitfox... Even if he really wanted to go that route, the complexity of it made him stay away from it. Engine mounts, wiring, temp probes and gauges compatibility etc.... Anyway, you get the idea....
 
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