SonexBuilders.net

It's way too early for me to worry about this now, but I have been wondering if the Corvair cowl can be installed with the Jabiru or Aerovee engine. Anyone have any insight on this? IMO, the corvair cowl really finishes off the look of the sonex and makes it that much better looking.

I'd say the standard Corvair cowling (if there is such a thing) would be too long.

Have a look in this thread about 2/3 down page 1.
http://sonexbuilders.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=428
It's not a Corvair but a VW and a Jabiru custom cowl that gives you that "finished look" as well.

Idunno wrote:I have been wondering if the Corvair cowl can be installed with the Jabiru or Aerovee engine. Anyone have any insight on this? IMO, the corvair cowl really finishes off the look of the sonex and makes it that much better looking.

No reason why it can't be done. Being too long isn't a concern as that's easily addressed. If you want to discuss this in detail PM me off-line.

Dale Williams
N319WF @ 6J2
Myunn - "daughter of Cleanex"
120 HP - 3.0 Corvair
Tail Wheel - Center Stick
66.0 hours / Status - Flying
http://kitplanes2.com/blog/2013/12/ownerbuilder-2/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49h6Qijc17_Ebfz0CbRFtg

I too like the looks of the Corvair cowl. I have the universal cowl and always found it lacking style. Too boxy for me. I would prefer something more like the Panther cowl.

Question, how would you mount the bowl? On the Corvair, the engine mount extends the length of the engine so you just mount it to the end. On the Jabiru and Aerovee, there's nothing to secure the front.

fastj22 wrote:Question, how would you mount the bowl? On the Corvair, the engine mount extends the length of the engine so you just mount it to the end. On the Jabiru and Aerovee, there's nothing to secure the front.

The cowling on my Cleanex does not attach to the engine mount. If you look at the cowling installation notes from my Expercraft site you can see how it goes together.

I did see a 601 that had part of the lower cowl attached to the mount but for a Cleanex it's not done that way.

Dale Williams
N319WF

Thanks for the tips. Like I said, way too early for me to worry about this, I am about halfway through my tail kit. I'll probably revisit this question later on.

daleandee wrote:

fastj22 wrote:Question, how would you mount the bowl? On the Corvair, the engine mount extends the length of the engine so you just mount it to the end. On the Jabiru and Aerovee, there's nothing to secure the front.

The cowling on my Cleanex does not attach to the engine mount. If you look at the cowling installation notes from my Expercraft site you can see how it goes together.

I did see a 601 that had part of the lower cowl attached to the mount but for a Cleanex it's not done that way.

Dale Williams
N319WF

So your nose bowl hangs off the baffle fence which is attached to the engine somehow? I checked out your Expercraft site and it didn't grab me quite how it hangs. Very interested though. I like the look.

fastj22 wrote:So your nose bowl hangs off the baffle fence which is attached to the engine somehow? I checked out your Expercraft site and it didn't grab me quite how it hangs. Very interested though. I like the look.

In many ways it fits like the universal cowling in that it is attached to the air frame at the firewall across the top (windshield strap) with screws & nuts, and then down both sides and underneath with piano hinge. Once the top (excluding the doors), both sides, and the bottom are all connected to the nose bowl it becomes ridged as if it were a single piece. Nut plates are used to attach the top, sides, and bottom to the nose bowl.

Southcos are used on the doors. My Southcos work pretty well and make preflight easier. The sides and bottom are fairly easy to remove but taking the nose bowl off can be a bit of work. That is rarely ever needed unless I need to adjust/change the alternator (dynamo) belt.

Dale Williams
N319WF @ 6J2
Myunn - "daughter of Cleanex"
120 HP - 3.0 Corvair
Tail Wheel - Center Stick
66.0 hours / Status - Flying
http://kitplanes2.com/blog/2013/12/ownerbuilder-2/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49h6Qijc17_Ebfz0CbRFtg