I watched the time, airspeed, altimeter, and tach. 1 minute(1:44 wheels lifted -2:44) of continuous, consistent climb netted you about 750' on the altimeter. That is a bit lower than the 1000'per min you stated. Perhaps your altimeter is not good though, it was set at zero and hit 100' as you lifted off...
@stealhty1 a 1/2 VW would never get the plane off the ground - gross weight is 1250 pounds - the engine loves reving to 3200 RPM that's where it gets its horsepower - not overheating always watch the cylinder head and oil temps like a hawk -
Many people fly 2 strokes forever with no issues or failures - I had two engine outs with a 582 - nothing against them but seeing a propeller sticking straight up gets your attention - like I said many guys have thousands of hours behind them with no issues but I decided I wanted the reliability of a four stroke - when a 2 stroke quits it just gets very quiet, when a 4 stroke quits most times it gives you some warning
hands down the KITFOX - first its a taildragger then the wings fold and the flying characteristics are awsome on the KF it has a traditional feel and look and did I metion the wings fold?
thought about it but there is a weight difference and I liked the simplicity of the direct drive - the geared version would swing a much longer prop and the STOL performance would be fenomenal but I'm pretty happy with the direct drive performance as is
No way it will compare to the 912 - but - the 912 is what? 20k? and this engine firewall forward is maybe 8k total - I was thinking it would climb like a Taylorcraft or Luscombe with a 65 continental but its much better - soon as I break it in I will run more climb tests and cruise tests and will post - so far I think its great - talk soon
Once you broken in then do some timed climb tests to figure out the averages . MY 582 climbs solo on wheels 12 to 1400 fpm on average depending on OAT etc at 1000 asl. you should get a better cruise than the 582 -- I run 92 mph on wheels . But you won't touch a 912 ul i don't think due to direct drive. Once thing also about direct drive on VW is they have a weak Larger heavier prop would likely be too hard on the cranks .
oh yeah, the crank Steve Bennet at Great Plains re-designed a beefier crank and bearings - he says long as u use a wooden prop he's not seen a crank break since the re-design - he's got like 2000 hours flying behind these engines
I watched the time, airspeed, altimeter, and tach. 1 minute(1:44 wheels lifted -2:44) of continuous, consistent climb netted you about 750' on the altimeter. That is a bit lower than the 1000'per min you stated. Perhaps your altimeter is not good though, it was set at zero and hit 100' as you lifted off...
t30mg 6 months ago
Comment removed
t30mg 6 months ago
direct drive 2180 ?? i think you could be over loading this engine which could result in over heating are you using 1/2 VW ??
stealhty1 1 year ago
@stealhty1 a 1/2 VW would never get the plane off the ground - gross weight is 1250 pounds - the engine loves reving to 3200 RPM that's where it gets its horsepower - not overheating always watch the cylinder head and oil temps like a hawk -
papipilot 1 year ago
Climbes like a monkey indeed !! wow
Good job man.
I hope you'll have alot of fun with the VW engine.
Will you attend to Sun n Fun this year?
I would be so interested to take a look at your plane.
I will be there, I hope we can make some appointment.
Martbrant 2 years ago
thanks! yes I will be ther also the manufacturer of the VW engine that I used will have a booth - so hope to catch up with you there!
papipilot 2 years ago
Well it sure sounds gr8.. Nice work!
ulrikmcgloi 2 years ago
What were your reasons for changing from the 582?
brent309 2 years ago
Many people fly 2 strokes forever with no issues or failures - I had two engine outs with a 582 - nothing against them but seeing a propeller sticking straight up gets your attention - like I said many guys have thousands of hours behind them with no issues but I decided I wanted the reliability of a four stroke - when a 2 stroke quits it just gets very quiet, when a 4 stroke quits most times it gives you some warning
papipilot 2 years ago
that vw engine sounds awesome, I noticed that you also fly a Rans S6 in a couple of your videos and was wondering which airplane you prefer and why?
gmk5275 2 years ago
hands down the KITFOX - first its a taildragger then the wings fold and the flying characteristics are awsome on the KF it has a traditional feel and look and did I metion the wings fold?
papipilot 2 years ago
looks like it will climb at 30deg all day long...
ding0925 2 years ago
did you consider the geared VW engine from Great Plains ?
egp8111 2 years ago
thought about it but there is a weight difference and I liked the simplicity of the direct drive - the geared version would swing a much longer prop and the STOL performance would be fenomenal but I'm pretty happy with the direct drive performance as is
papipilot 2 years ago
No way it will compare to the 912 - but - the 912 is what? 20k? and this engine firewall forward is maybe 8k total - I was thinking it would climb like a Taylorcraft or Luscombe with a 65 continental but its much better - soon as I break it in I will run more climb tests and cruise tests and will post - so far I think its great - talk soon
papipilot 2 years ago
Interesting Data.
Once you broken in then do some timed climb tests to figure out the averages . MY 582 climbs solo on wheels 12 to 1400 fpm on average depending on OAT etc at 1000 asl. you should get a better cruise than the 582 -- I run 92 mph on wheels . But you won't touch a 912 ul i don't think due to direct drive. Once thing also about direct drive on VW is they have a weak Larger heavier prop would likely be too hard on the cranks .
kitfoxflyer 2 years ago
oh yeah, the crank Steve Bennet at Great Plains re-designed a beefier crank and bearings - he says long as u use a wooden prop he's not seen a crank break since the re-design - he's got like 2000 hours flying behind these engines
papipilot 2 years ago