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What if.... I buy a Sonex with and AeroV engine. What if...... I want to replace the engine with a new AeroV engine. Do I have to build up that engine myself? Thanks.

You might be able to find an already built engine. But, then you don't know how well it was put together.

If you are not confident in your engine-building skills, look for a VW engine builder in your area or out of your area. They are out there and are really well-versed in the VW type. Maybe even a custom speed engine builder that usually works with V-8's. The VW is really simple.

I would probably not tell them that you are going to put that in an airplane, they might get skittish. But a home-built airboat that swings a propeller sounds like a good story to me!

Hi, Art:

I built my AeroVee 7.5 years ago and it's still going strong after 500+ hours. It's not a difficult thing to do, and there is nothing like knowing the engine inside and out. 5 years ago I had a prop strike. I took the engine apart in 2 evenings, replaced the crank and bearings, and put it back together in 2 evenings.

The next time I build something I will be rebuilding a run-out Lycoming, simply because I really want an engine that I know inside and out, and that I can maintain and repair with confidence (not to mention at reasonable costs) myself. I have no desire to purchase a completed engine.

I understand building an engine is not for everyone, but the VW is an outstanding engine to cut your teeth on, and the Sonex instructions and video are very good.

Art Tiller wrote:What if.... I buy a Sonex with and AeroV engine. What if...... I want to replace the engine with a new AeroV engine. Do I have to build up that engine myself? Thanks.

Hi Art,

You may want to rebuild your current AeroVee rather than installing a new one. Even if you need to replace the cylinders, heads, bearings & perhaps the crank you'll find it much cheaper than buying a new AeroVee kit. Just something to think about.

The easiest thing is to build the engine yourself. It's not rocket science. However, there are companies out there that will do it for you - even if they know it will be used in an aircraft. Let us all know where you are located. Forum members may know of a place near you that may work for you. If you do decide to have someone else build the engine for you ask to help so that you'll know how your engine works. That will help with future preventative maintenance.

Good luck.

XenosN42 wrote:

Art Tiller wrote:What if.... I buy a Sonex with and AeroV engine. What if...... I want to replace the engine with a new AeroV engine. Do I have to build up that engine myself? Thanks.

Hi Art,

You may want to rebuild your current AeroVee rather than installing a new one.

Sonex will sell you anything you might need, but you'll need to sign their liability release and PERHAPS pay to transfer your plans support as a second owner, I'm not quite sure yet on that point. Their prices are quite reasonable compared to other sources, so support them if you go down that road.

Thank you all for your input. This was a hypothetical question as I do not yet own a Sonex. Actually, I own a 1/3 interest in an RV-12 here in the Pacific Northwest. I plan to sell my interest to my partners and move to Kansas City next year. I think a OneX or Sonex will be my next aircraft. Which will be only the second airplane I have ever owned. For over 50 years I have been flying everyone else s airplanes and helicopters and now it is my turn. So for now I am trying to decide what is the proper ratio between working on the aircraft verses flying the thing. At 70 years old time is becoming a very precious thing.

I have to say that It would be a real kick to build up an AeroV as a winter project. Where I end up I will have lots of knowledge to tap into. I am looking forward to getting to know the local EAA chapter.

Art Tiller wrote:I have to say that It would be a real kick to build up an AeroV as a winter project. Where I end up I will have lots of knowledge to tap into. I am looking forward to getting to know the local EAA chapter.

It certainly would be! If you want to see my original build, you can start here. My rebuild is there, too, but there's much more information on the original build.
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 82&row=209

At one point I actually toyed with building a second one to put on a test stand to tinker with different modifications and ideas. If you ever go to the Sonex factory in OSH, check out their engine test cell.