SonexBuilders.net

Hello,

Seems like there's been some issues around the Turbo from reading the forums, service bulletins, etc. I also noticed that Sonex is testing an Aerovee Turbo Cooling System. Is that more or less a requirement if you were to build a turbo Aerovee now? I really like the idea of building my own engine and the performance the turbo provides, but while stock Aerovee seems solid, the turbo seems a bit finicky still. And, once you start adding cooling systems, etc. it gets more complicated and the overall price goes up reducing the total value.

Thoughts?

This is something of a difficult question to answer as everyone who may give you their thoughts are simply doing that; offering thoughts and opinions. If you’d like I can offer mine, but please remember they’re nothing more than opinions, so take them for what they’re worth.

First, if you decide you’re going to add the turbo, the water cooled system will be an absolute necessity. I was one of the first early adopters of the turbo and I may have been the first to send my turbo back for disassembly and assessment after my turbo seized up. You can look up and read about the causes why and different solutions that have been attempted, but I will say that the newest upgrade of installing liquid cooling to the turbo shows a lot of promise. Is it the end all solution that will make the turbo totally reliable? Unknown at this point. I hope it does but only time and a lot of testing will tell.

At this point I don’t know how many customers are flying behind turbo’s. Several of the early turbo adopters have either removed the turbo, swapped to different engines, or aren’t currently flying their airplanes. I’m sure there are others though who happily continue to fly behind theirs and are probably enjoying it! The factory has installed the liquid cooling system on their turbo demonstrator but I’m not sure how much testing has been completed at this point.

You are correct in that the liquid cooling upgrade does add complexity (and weight and cost) to the system so each buyer will have to decide if it’s worthwhile. At this point I believe a lot of potential turbo customers have adopted a “wait and see if it’s proven reliable” thought process and are patiently waiting to see how continued testing progresses. I’ll keep my fingers crossed the setup proves itself!

Thanks Mike, I really appreciate it. I've bounced back and forth quite a bit on what engine for my 'eventual' Sonex. I'm at least absolutely sure that I will be building a Waiex B vs. any other kit out there. So I have made progress. I'm all over the map though on engine. I like the idea of a Rotax 912is ala the RV-12is, but it's pricey. The ULPower engines hold a lot of promise, but I'm not sure how much of original look can be maintained in the b model cowl. I love the idea of building and maintaining my engine the most, but stock Aerovee isn't quite the power I'd like. So it'd be Turbo for me, but I guess I'm still in the wait and see camp. Good news is that I can always start building and sort the engine out in the end as I get closer to finishing and budget dictates.

Have you consideted the corvair? 100 to 120hp for about the same money as a turbo aerovee. All the parts including the engine mount can now be bought already made for the sonex.

kmacht wrote: All the parts including the engine mount can now be bought already made for the sonex.

Mount for B models available now?

Wes

Why not consider just buying a used vans rv12? About the same price as a B model but you get a Vans and the Rotax. It’s a bit slower than a Sonex but...

It has crossed my mind, but I want to build. I just think it would be fun and a great experience to build. I'd love to build an RV-12is, but I'd be looking at $80K+ vs. $50-60k on a well sorted Sonex. Plus, it's not aerobatic like the Sonex can be. I've never done aerobatics, but it's nice to know it could be an option.

Sonex vs RV-12...........?

The RV-12 will cost you more to build than the Sonex..........HOWEVER....the re-sale is so much higher with the RV-12 (or any RV for that matter) than the Sonex, that you would still come out ahead with the RV.

Something to consider.

Gordon...Onex....Hummel 2400.....(multiple RV builder/flyer)

WesRagle wrote:

kmacht wrote: All the parts including the engine mount can now be bought already made for the sonex.

Mount for B models available now?

Wes

I am sure if you reach out to Dan Weseman he'll be able to let you know about that. I'm sure you won't be the first person to ask about it. http://flywithspa.com

Gordon wrote:Sonex vs RV-12...........?

The RV-12 will cost you more to build than the Sonex..........HOWEVER....the re-sale is so much higher with the RV-12 (or any RV for that matter) than the Sonex, that you would still come out ahead with the RV.

Something to consider.

Gordon...Onex....Hummel 2400.....(multiple RV builder/flyer)

Very true. You can buy a Jab 3300 Sonex on Barnstormers now for $26K, and Jab 2200/VW Sonex's are under $20K. Makes you think twice about building a $50K Sonex.