Waiex 191 Aerovee

[Bryan Cotton]

I have ordered my aerovee!

[ScottM-Sonex1629]

Turbo?

That's a good idea to beat the price increase. Did you go with the pre-assembled crank shaft?

[Bryan Cotton]

Scott,
I did not go turbo for 3 reasons, listed here in order of priority:
1) I want my kids to learn to fly with minimum power
2) Budget
3) Maturity of the design

If the turbo works out well for folks, I may upgrade after I fly for 5 or so years. I think it is cool. I did spring for the hub installation.

[Sonex1517]

Bryan

We will keep you posted as to the Turbo experience....

Glad you got the engine ordered!


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Bryan Cotton]

Robbie,
So you are going to be a turbonaut too? Cool! I guess I'll have to brag about my low fuel burn!

[Sonex1517]

Yes Bryan, I figured since I was not done with the AeroVee build, it was time to do it. I would rather do it now and not have to re-do my 40 hour test period, in addition to the time and effort involved to retrofit the turbo later.

I did not want to be first, but it appears I am close to the front of the line....

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
TurboVee
N1517S reserved

[ScottM-Sonex1629]

Robbie,

I'm right there with you on the decision. I'm 90% sure about doing the Turbo. My engine is like yours, pretty much built, but not yet hung on the airframe. I did not order exhaust or a prop yet, knowing this turbo announcement was coming, but also wanting to get the spring special when it was offered.

I'm still about 9 months plus away from flying (if my pace keeps up). I have all winter to make my final decision and get the funds together for the turbo upgrade.

Bryan - can't go wrong with waiting either. It's just more expensive to upgrade later...which is why Robbie did it and I probably will too...

[Sonex1517]

Yep Scott. I have to hope I can exchange the exhaust and will posting a classified ad to sell my Sensenich prop soon. Bryan, if you do not have one and are looking for a good deal on a prop for your AeroVee....

After the craziness from Oshkosh settles down I plan to ask the factory what all. I can swap. I am just working on the rocket assemblies now and already know I will not be using the oil pump I currently have.

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
TurboVee
N1517S reserved

[Bryan Cotton]

Why is it more expensive to upgrade later? I am guessing this is due to buying two props and two exhaust systems.

By the time I upgrade, if I do, I will have two pilots to fly off the extra hours.

[Sonex1517]

My opinion here, but you hit the main issues squarely -

Replacing the prop and exhaust are the main expense. I am hoping to swap my exhaust as I have not mounted it or used it yet.

There is also the need to stop flying and remove the engine to mount the turbo and exhaust. (I am assuming this would require removing the engine)

To me it makes sense to do it now while I am still building and have not made my first flight. Your mileage (and opinion) may vary.


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved