Supercase???

[Area 51%]

The Sun-N-Fun show price was $12,900. Do keep in mind that the engine puts out 100hp (normally aspirated) at around 2800rpm, so it should be compared with the turbo's price.

[lstinthot]

I emailed them a couple times with no response. Since then I've moved on to consider other options.

[daleandee]

I emailed them a couple times with no response. Since then I've moved on to consider other options.

They say on their web site that they are looking for a North American sales manager. Company history is intriguing and I do hope they are successful as we can use more choices for reliable power in the experimental airplane world. Here's a video showing the assembly process and some of the upgrades that were made to the original VW engine block. One feature I found unique is that their push rod tubes install like GM used on the Corvair to prevent them for coming loose and leaking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2m08Zuwvbo

Dale Williams
N319WF @ 6J2
Myunn - "daughter of Cleanex"
120 HP - 3.0 Corvair
Tail Wheel - Center Stick
Signature Finish 2200 Paint Job
173.4 hours / Status - Flying
Member # 109 - Florida Sonex Association
Latest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VP7UYEqQ-g

[pilotdriver]

I saw the latest engine at Sun N Fun.
It looks ready to go. According the a junior engineer I spoke to a man in Brazil is installing one in a Sonex. It will be flying by Oshkosk. That will make 5 test planes.
They had a price of 12900 US if you order early. I have also watched them for a few yrs with great anticipation. THey said at the booth the engine produces 104 hp on their dyno but will be marketed as 100hp.
I will probably buy one instead of rebuilding my 2200. To change over would be easy. You need a new vw cowl and motormount.
They said they want to develop firewall forward packages.

[pilotdriver]

I saw the engine at snf this year. They hired a retired continental engineer. He made them change or mofify almost all the internals. Inside it looks like an O-200. Very stout.

[vigilant104]

However, here's the thing:
The reason nearly all VW flyers choose a VW engine is cost.
You can buy/build one for around 7K, and you can maintain it yourself sourcing pretty much everything from your local auto/VW specialist.
You can't get much cheaper than that.
I don't think either of these cost advantages still apply with this "VW" engine, there does not seem to be much original "VW" left.
There is no official price on the website but I read on the Zenith forums they cost around 13k...

Right. This 2870cc Motorave engine has a 98.3mm bore and a 94mm stroke, there can't be many VW parts (maybe the valves are the same as the VW aftermarket valves--they are seriously oversized for our typical 3200 RPM operation). And the difference between a VW engine and this $13K engine will buy a lot of fuel and parts. Okay, it probably makes 100HP which is nice. Does it do it reliably? Well, I guess we'll know in a decade or two, if they are still around.
Revmaster has had a similar project in the works for over a decade. 3000cc, about 100 HP (more with turbo and available liquid cooling). Stated price of $10K to $13K+. It makes an appearance now and again in a magazine article or a one-off promotional airplane, but it has never been truly marketed to the general public as far as I can tell.