Camit 2200 in a Sonex

[Bill Sargent]

Hi all.
My name is Bill Sargent. I own and built Sonex ZK-WBS #160 13 years ago her in New Zealand.
I am thinking of replacing my early Jabiru 2200 #152 with a new Camit 2200. Are there any others flying this combination? I know David A has the 3300 and others her in NZ have them in other aircraft types.Camit now have a 15A alternator and bracket that will fit onto the Sonex mount.I have never had any trouble with my Jabiru BUT am not easy with it. I want to fly with my grandkids but not with this engine.Any Pros or Cons please.
Bill S

[Corby202]

I have solid lifter 2200 Jabiru engine also, purchased from Jabiru as a rebuilt zero hr engine, the engine performs well, the people at Jabiru are great to deal with. I could get no responce from Camit from emails and not returning phone calls when enquiring about purchasing an engine. I figured if they are like this now what happens after I have spent my money.

[Bill Sargent]

Thanks for your reply Phil, regarding Camit/ Jabiru.
Funny how things pan out . I had EXACTLY the OPPOSITE happen.
For months I could get no reply from Jabiru agent or factory. Camit ( Jenny ) has replied instantly to all my enquiries.
Thanks again.
Bill Sargent

[ihab]

Camit ( Jenny ) has replied instantly to all my enquiries.

I have a personal experience to relate here.

In February, there was a very complete Sonex airframe being sold on Barnstormers for $10k, and I was seriously considering buying it and putting a Camit 3300 into it. I contacted Camit asking about their approach to cooling in the Sonex. Ian Bent replied after some delay (I don't recall how much, but it was probably a couple days and seemed related to the Website inquiry form). He addressed all my questions in great detail and continued to follow up very promptly.

I was and remain nothing more than an email address to Camit. :)

Ihab

[Stuart181]

I have just installed a CAMIT2200 in place of a Jab2200 early hydraulic lifter engine which was using oil and running badly even after two top end overhauls in 100 hrs.

I have modified the cowls to allow me to use the CAMIT ram air ducts without reducing their size. I now have a 'Frog Eyed Sonex' with the air inlets around 1 1/2 inches higher. See pics.

After 3 hours my temps are great and I am getting 115kts at 2880rpm swinging a 54x54 Sens. prop.

Further details as I do a bit more time on it. Cowls not yet painted...might do more changes.

See images.

Regards,
Stuart Sonex181 Moorabbin Australia

[gammaxy]

Is that propeller really "54x54" or is the second number backwards? I would have expected something closer to "54x45" based on my experience with the Aerovee. Is the speed and rpm you mention at full throttle?

I look forward to hearing more about your installation.

[Stuart181]

Just confirming that my new CAMIT 2200 in my Sonex is swinging a Sensenich 54x54 prop. Model number W54JJ554G. I am getting 110-115 knots at 2860rpm. Climb performance seems fine. I have only done 5hrs with the new engine and havent done any climb performance numbers yet.
Stuart
Moorabbin, Australia.

[LarryEWaiex121]

Stuart,

I'm flying a Camit 3300 in my Waiex. I've had great correspondence with the factory, both before and after my engine purchase.
We have a local vendor here in the states but, I still had some questions before the purchase, I wanted to get sorted. Questions about how the new alternator would fit the Sonex engine mount, etc.
Ian, Brydan and Jenny were all very helpful with questions or requests for owner/operator product documentation.
Camit seems to be the real deal. I'm loving my new engine. Power, fuel economy, quiet radio with the new plug leads that are now standard. First time in almost 5 yrs of flying I have NO static; none.

Larry
Waiex121YX, 470TT, Camit 3300 now 23 hrs.

[gammaxy]

Just confirming that my new CAMIT 2200 in my Sonex is swinging a Sensenich 54x54 prop.

Any reason for such a course pitch? I'd expect that you'd want to be able to achieve close to redline (3300rpm?) in cruise flight. I don't think Sonex currently lists a recommended propeller for the 2200, but in the past they listed 56x42 and 54x46 as possible options.

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/press/rele ... 10401.html

[tonyr]

Chris,

Early 2200's tested by the factory were a little anaemic in their power output, and led to those recomendations. The factory has always erred on the side of climb performance.
As the power output climbed from the development of the Jabiru engines, a Sensenich 54x48 wood became the starting point.
In Australia where the 2200 is more popular, builders have found a Sensenich 54x50 or 54x52 composite gives good all round performance.
I personally have a 54x48 wood on a 2012 hydraulic lifter, (just before the roller rocker change), its static rpm is 2950+ and will redline easliy WOT in level flight.

Cheers
Tony