Geared Drives-starting a Chevrolet Powered Airplane from Sun n Fun

[tailwheelflier]

RIP Bud

[incubrian]

keep up the great work guys! people like YOU are the future

[jacobneider]

WOW that rocks!!! What kink of engine is that? I get some specifications on the engine, PSRU and prop? Do you have a web site?

[f82man]

I talked with Bud last year about adapting two of his drives for a twin 600 HP viper V10 project, and he said "no problem". That would be the ultimate allison sound maker. Don

[bulletman100]

dont Chevy v8 engines only work if they are level and upright, due to the oil in the sump? if the plane banks or dives, doesnt this make it smoke a lot since land-based engines are not designed to be run while upside down? just let me know as i dont understand how this works with any reliability of not stalling the engine... thanks.

[behoppeutube]

Most aircraft engines are not designed to fly upside down. Very rarely will normal aircraft operation generate a negative 'g' situation. A properly coordinated 60 degree bank will actually generate 2 G's DOWN through the seat of your pants.

[bulletman100]

ok. it just seems that if you banked hard with a chevy engine with a full sump it would start smoking on the lowest bank of cylinders, if oil level got to the bottom of the pistons or above.

[LincTexPilot]

bulletman100.....if you "banked hard" it is MORE positive G's than normal flight, or on the ground. The oil would STAY in the pan EASIER. No, oil control is not a problem in positive G flight.

[flanksteak2]

Dry Sumps area readily available from the aftermarket although my reply is most likely of no help since we don't know what this engine is running.

[huckebeinFW]

GM's LS7 has dry sump lubrication, so that the engine gets lubricated in high G turns as well. But this one is probably not LS7.

[stopglobalswarming]

@bulletman100 This same engine in a car or 4x4 would not stall going up or down a hill. What I wonder is how they regulate fuel mixture and prevent the intake system from choking on the cold thin air at altitude. Water methanol injection? Fuel heater? Supercharger?

[l3thDisciple]

@stopglobalswarming would they have a modified PCM of some sort? I just started working towards a PPL recently and am still learning quite a bit.. But if a vehicle gets into higher elevations, several factors are used from the engine and environment to monitor air/gas mix and adjust for those variations.. So would something like this still maintain a computer of sorts to help regulate those same adjustments? Sorry if I am not very clear, but not necessarily sure how to ask the question, either..

[geareddrives]

By the way, it includes the flywheel and clutch assembly. NO extras to buy. Bud

[N75MP]

how much would a sbc psru cost w/o prop

[DobermansRock]

You rock. I used to drag race and the 383 was a nightmare to go up against. For a plane though that is just cool...

[mopar92]

Isn't it a violation of FAR's to start an airplane without a pilot sitting at the controls?

How do you start a Piper Cub then?

[1taildragger]

met this guy/plane in Poteau, Oklahoma. Awesome running bird,,,was on his way back from Oshkosh. I was building a house right out of town,,sounded like a top fuel dragster taking off,,,how awesome

[djdecember]

jeez.. makes 200.. wow pretty nice

[csx5580]

wow that is one great plane, congrats!

[geareddrives]

This wheeler is 3200 gross weight, takes off 3900 engine RPM, cruises at 3200 and will make 175-200 kts. Fuel burn can be as low as 9 GPH up to 15, depending, and that is at 19" manifold. This is the new style Wheeler tail, not the CT tail modified. I have no problems with any flutter and the airplane is stable with a full load.

[bobbypatty1]

WOW! What kind of performance are you getting? Did you do any mods to tail? I seem to remember a supposed flutter problem and an accident or two. Nice work though!!

BobbyG-bobbypatty1

[geareddrives]

We were at an EAA airshow and we were given permission for a "mag check". Starting procedure is just like that of a car, and due to the PSRU with automatic centrifucal clutch, the airplane is in no danger of moving at idle, the clutch has not engaged, the propeller can be tied off with a string upon startup and it will not engage until the engine is brought up to over 1000 rpm. This allows the starter to turn only the engine and extend starter life.

[jamesonamac]

Isn't it a violation of FAR's to start an airplane without a pilot sitting at the controls?

[geareddrives]

Not a Mooney. This is a Wheeler Express. A four place, fixed gear, composite airplane that is very slick. I use a 383 Chevrolet engine in my Wheeler, with an all spur gear PSRU with automatic centrifucal clutch and flywheel that I designed. It works great. This airplance won best automotive conversion homebuilt at the EAA fly in, Sun n Fun in Lakeland last month.

[n33d4killz]

is that a mooney?