Aerovee Turbo Kit

[MichaelFarley56]

Well, it's taken a little longer than I expected, but I'm pleased to report that Waiex #0056 now has a running AeroVee turbo! I haven't flown it yet, but hope to do so here in the next week or so.

Initial opinion is that the engine runs very smooth and is perhaps slightly quieter than it was before. I only did a few initial ground runs, none lasting more than a few moments, but couldn't find any leaks or issues afterwards so I'm happy. Just like Geary, the exhaust wrap smokes a little bit immediately after shutdown but I expect that to stop after everything breaks in. I still need to do a little adjusting on the secondary ignition and then hope to perform a few high power runs, then it should be time to fly!

Hopefully I'll be able to offer a more detailed flight report shortly!

[Bryan Cotton]

Cool Mike! Hope to hear a successful flight report soon.

[Bruce593SX]

Hopefully I'll be able to offer a more detailed flight report shortly!

FANTASTIC!

Now that I have finally solved my tight crank issues (which I will detail later) I am getting very close to finishing and I need to make a final decision on a prop... I'm heavily leaning towards the Prince, but one more flight report would probably do it....

[jaredpilot]

Great news Mike, can't wait to hear the results!

[MichaelFarley56]

Hey All,

I'm happy to report that Waiex #0056, to the best of my knowledge, has become the second customer built (third overall) AeroVee turbo to fly! Actual first flight was last weekend (April 4th) but I was able to get some more test flying in today. I've got a few things to check over and an oil change to perform then it will be ready to continue test flying.

Overall I've been very impressed with the performance and smoothness of the engine package. The engine is running very well and I've been told the engine sounds quieter from the ground.

I don't have a whole lot of performance numbers to offer to everyone yet; I'm going to test two different props and will ultimately use that information to determine the best pitch for a yet to be made new prop. Currently I have the non-turbo 54 x 44 Prince installed but as you can imagine, it's way under pitched. I'm working with Lonnie Prince to find the best solution for the ideal pitch of prop, so stand by for performance data...

I can't wait to get some more test flights in!

More details to follow...

[Bryan Cotton]

Very cool Mike! Looking forward to your prop testing!

[kevinh]

great write up - I really look forward to your future posts on this project.

[marsolgp]

Congratulations Mike.... Welcome to the (very small) club..... Have fun with your testing.

[jerryhain]

Leiston has never been the same since you left (Had you been working on the nuclear power station- or on one of the USAF bases: Woodbridge or Bentwaters - long since closed?)

Tim Mobbs
Aerovee #0672
Bungay Suffolk England

I lived in Ipswich and worked at Bentwaters until they closed and made me move back to the states. As glider pilots at Essex and Suffolk my wife and I moved to Tucson for the flying (and lack of snow).
Jerry

[wlarson861]

Sonex 0861 has been turbocharged! I am waiting on my MGL RDAC with manifold pressure sensor to arrive for first start. Also the FAA. The build took almost 2 weeks due to the items that had to be moved. The battery box had to be removed and a new one fabricated for the left side. The rectifier was moved to the fuel filler spout and the master contactor was moved to the engine mount. On the cowl I had to cut a slot for the oil pump to come through in order to get the cowl to close. I have a gap in the cowl halves below the prop that is larger than the one I had before. Seeing the oil pump is like seeing a motorcycle engine. It's a machine and seeing machine parts is not all bad. My wife says leave it as is so I probably will. I would tell you turbo up graders that you should be prepared for the possibility of having to cut a hole in your cowl for fitment of the turbo upgrade. Also the exhaust hole has to be elongated to allow the cowl to move forward enough to come off and on. If the performance is as advertised this whole experience will be worth the pain and skinned knuckles.