Warbird Information Exchange

Looks like I may be getting a new project soon. If all works out, I will be getting a Slepcev Storch...This project has some landing gear damage due to a forced landing in a corn field, and has no engine or prop.

I don't know if the project comes with any plans or a build sheet or log book with weight and balance data.

The recommended engine for the airframe is 80 to 100 HP I believe the most used engine is the Rotex 912.
These engines are a little out of my price range, so I have been looking at 100 horse engine alternatives. As for the automotive side, the only thing that comes close to my expectations is the Corvair engine. I saw a couple at Osh last year that had almost a thousand hours on them , and a bunch at the four to five hundred hour mark. On the other hand, I am also looking at O-200, O-235, of even an O-300 to put in the Storch.

Being a bit of a porker, I am leaning toward the O-235 or 110 Corvair...

Another thing to consider, and is out of my realm, is what type of prop to use.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
G

There are a great number of 4 cyl motorcycle engines that can be had for pretty cheap, My old YAMMER VENTURE had a 4 cyl watercooled that put out 96 H.P., the NINJA is close to 200 H.P. Most car engines are way too heavy but an 1800 SUBARU would fit in the flat 4 category and you could use a couple of heater cores as radiators, already been done in some homebuilts by I think REVMASTER.

The newest CORVAIR is 45 years old and finding good, reliable parts was an issue for restorers back as far as the early 80's plus they are a P.I.T.A. to work on, different bearing journal sizes, different rods and pistons depending on whether you're doing an 85 horse sedan engine or a CORSA and the Van/Greenbrier engine was it's own posessed monster of oddball parts that fit no other engine in the car line. CORVAIR engines all have a chronic oil leak from stresses on the block causing the oil pressure sending unit boss to crack.

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Inspector,
What kind of rpms do the Motorcycle engines turn? I am trying to keep it as simple as possible without having to use a prop reduction unit.

The VENTURE was redlined @ around 7500 RPM but the bike never got above about 4000 under hard acceleration by me and turned about 3400/3500 in 5th while doing a ton. leave the trans on and you'd almost have a constant speed prop 'takeoff in 2nd, climb in fourth, cruise in 5th'.
My VISION (850 lb tourer) aircooled twin cranks out 96 H.P. from 106 C.I. turns around 3200 in 6th @ 80 (ish) and has enough grunt to seriously leave a 'V' rod from a light.

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

That's spinning pretty fast for a wood prop.....I don't think there's enough room for a clutch pedal in the cockpit....

The VENTURE is very Auld Skuhl and uses four Mikuni Carbs. The newer units including my VIC use EFI so it would be a matter of limiting the amount of throttle application, it's easy to change gears, install a Coupe' switch (same principle used in PRO STOCK bikes),tap the button to activate the air clutch and grab the next gear they can be 'flat shifted' with some finesse
REVMASTER had all the reduction gearing stuff worked out for the SUBI motor and the price wasn't that bad. I had an '81 SUBI 1800 and the last time I drove it (before that divorce) , it had 385,000 on the clock and still pumped out 90 psi oil pressure on startup and maintained 47-50 @ 70 mph and it made a VW engine seem temperamental.

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

Trying to come up with a usable reduction gear for high revving engines is going to burn up any time or money you try to save on an engine.
Especially with a slllloooooww aeroplane like the Storch, you would be better off looking for a part time 0-200, 0-235, etc, that can swing a good size propeller.
Being experimental, you could probably overhaul it yourself.

That's what I am thinking....I tend to sway toward the KISS methods...The less I have to do in modifications-the better...I will have enough on my hands designing an engine mount and then I deal with numbers for weight and balance....that means I gotta pull my boots and sox off for the big calculations

Wel, you asked for suggestions and options so I passed along a few, and if REVMASTER offered SUBI engines for ultra lights don't ya think they MIGHT have the reduction deal figured out since most ultras swing a molded plastic prop??

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

What specific engines would you recommend? The VW conversions, even with a redrive, are pretty anemic for something draggy like a Storch replica. The Subies don't have the best track record of reliability once you add the cooling system and redrive. Also, the subies need an electrical system, which adds one more system to the list of flight criticial items.

Me, I'd be looking for an 0-200.

Whatever-

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

The products you suggested don't exist.

Revmaster sells VW conversions which are not suitable for the Storch. They don't sell anything with a gearbox or a reduction drive. They definitely don't sell Subarus or Subaru conversions. Here's their website:

http://www.revmasteraviation.com/

On the other hand, the 0-200 is a viable and commonly available option.

Inspector,

I do welcome and thank you for your input. I have put some thought to your suggestions, and I will not rule them out, but I will continue to compare every option.

G

ROTAX? up to 160 HP maybe a salvage from a wrecked sled

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Don't make me go get my flying monkeys-

so, did you get the storch? and what did you decide about the powerplant??

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