Larry - The list has a good history of the stuff I have found out along the
way about the Corvette engine -
To condense where I am at now regarding the engine, realizing that I am
taking my time because I am skinning my wings and looking forward to taking
my time (read financially pacing myself) on the fuselage -
The recent articles about Chris Oppermans RV7 (wow - a 350 hp instead of a
IO360 - 180 hp) with the Chevy LS1 in Custom Plane to mention one, further
reinforced my resolve to go with the LS1/LS6 engine (the other article is on
the DCSOL list but I think the link is broke)- I have also mentioned my
friend Chuck that has a Bed and Breakfast (
http://www.gardenmountainbb.com)
up near my cabin in Idaho (he is building a Wheeler Express) that has the
same engine on a trailer/test stand and I have seen/felt/heard it run
several times. There is a nice turf strip (U88) there with camping on the So
Fork of the Payette River and I am sure Chuck would pick you up.
Anyway they (Chuck and Chris collaborate) have it all pretty well figured
out with the "Stinger" PSRU - from the airboat side of things (I have talked
to the Stinger people) - the reprogrammed GM computers (Z industries 714 779
6680) and motor mount - the Ivoprop, motormount, air conditioning etc.
I am going to be looking for a way to speed things up near the end and if
the price is still in the $28,000 range for the engine, psru, prop, spinner,
cowl, oil, antifreeze, radiators, air conditioning and heater - I believe
that while I could probably do it cheaper, it would take an extra year.
Rick Muller has also talked to Chris Opperman about the LS1 and may be
modifying the engine mount to fit the Super Rebel - See the attached below -
_____
From:
rickhm@comcast.net [mailto:
rickhm@comcast.net]
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2004 1:58 PM
To:
Britt.REED@hill.af.mil
Subject: Re: SOme questions about your product (fwd)
Britt,
Follow-up answers and questions that may be of interest to you.
-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: "Predator Aviation"
To:
Subject: Re: SOme questions about your product
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 18:44:25 +0000
Chris Opperman
Predator Aviation
7934 W Mary Ann dr.
Peoria AZ 85382
623-572-2802 office
602-882-2203 mobile
----- Original Message -----
From:
rickhm@comcast.net <mailto:
rickhm@comcast.net>
To: Predator <mailto:
predator_aviation@cox.net> Aviation
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 6:12 AM
Subject: Re: SOme questions about your product
Chris,
Thanks for the response. Further questions below!!!
-------------- Original message --------------
Hi Rick,
Thanks for your interest in our engine package. I have answered your
questions below.
If you happen to find yourself in Glendale, be sure to give me a ring.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Chris Opperman
Predator Aviation
7934 W Mary Ann Drive
Peoria AZ 85382
623-572-2802 office
602-882-2203 mobile
----- Original Message -----
From:
rickhm@comcast.net <mailto:
rickhm@comcast.net>
To:
predator_aviation@cox.net <mailto:
predator_aviation@cox.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 6:11 AM
Subject: SOme questions about your product
For the last 3 years I have been looking into use of a LS1 engine. Prior to
learning of your efforts, I had intended to use an LS1, IVO propeller, dual
fuel pumps, and a NW Aero PSRU. I am an engineer and design medical
equipment for a living. The above combination seemed to be a winning
combination to me. You bring a new perspective. I have a few questions after
review of your website and reading the recent article in Custom Plane. As an
asside, I recognized many of the pictures from the Glendale airport. My dad
flew out of there for years in a Lancair 320... 320V. I would like to also
mention that I am very seriously considering your package. I have already
begun the process of moving funds from my mutual fund for a potential
purchase.
1) The article mentiones you are burning 87 octane auto fuel. Can you burn
Av Gas. If so how do you address the issues of lead and the O2 sensors. I
have a car racing buddy that indicates if you replace them annually your ok,
but wanted your perspective. Broadband sensors eliminate the problem, it is
an option available. You can run this engine on AV Gas but I prefer to run
on auto fuel since AV Gas is corrosive and leaves lead deposits.
Follow-up Question: I understand your view here and would generally agree if
all airports had 87 auto gas. At home it isn't a problem, but when you leave
town you are somewhat at the mercy of where you fly. My intention would be
to use 87 auto gas when flying from my home airport and what I can get when
away from home. To support AV Gas is there an additional cost?
Broadband sensors are $350.00 Less $145.00 credit for the stock sensors I
would have supplied
2) Your web site indicates dual fuel pumps. I like the idea for failure
considerations. Do they have check valves? Yes, the fuel pumps in this
installation have check values.
3) Some fuel injection installs require a return line from the engine back
to the tank. Does yours? This installation does not require a return line.
Follow-up: Boy does this make the install lots easier. I am building a
header tank. Flow from both wings goes to the header... low pressure. From
there I was planning on installation of dual fuel pumps and running high
pressure from there to engine. Are the fuel pumps you provide "attached" to
the firewall forward structure or more of an accessory for me to select an
installation point. I can always move them, but wanted to understand if I
was making life harder by doing so? Along the same line here I am assuming
you have a fuel filter installed somewhere. Is it down stream from the pumps
or filtered before the pump?.
Fuel system can be installed anywhere in-line as in accessory, There are 4
filters 2 before and 2 after the pumps, the before are serviceable micro
screens the after are steel housing disposable 2 micron
4) I am sure you have done a fairly complete look see at the PSRU offerings
for V8 systems. Why did you select the Stinger instead of the NW Aero
system? I prefer using gear drives rather than belt drives due to more
efficiency and reliability. Gear drives produce less heat and conditions are
easier to monitor.
Follow-up: Understood. What is the distance from the centerline of the
engine crankshaft to the prop center line? This helps me understand where
the mass of the engine will sit relative to the firewall. 6.5 inches
5) Do you have more than just the one demo flying? Similarly, how many are
being installed, but not flying? Since most RV-10 builders haven't got their
fuselage kits yet, the prototype is still one of a kind! The prototype has
been flying great since New Year's Eve. My wife went on the first flight
with me.
6) How many hours on the demo so far? There are 260 hours on the prototype.
An oil analysis was done at 200 hours showing no wear on the engine.
7) Who's ECU do you use? Is it the standard GM or an aftermarket? The ECU is
the Stock GM ECU.
Does the ECU have standard software or has it been reprogrammed to
address useless error codes like transmission errors. Reprogramming has been
done.
Follow-up: Understood. Given that you have currently 1 system flying my
comfort level gets a little shake here. Should you go out of business and I
need to get a new ECU I wouldn't be able to obtain a replacement unless I
knew or had an updated program. With the package would you provide the
manufacturer who did the reprogramming and contact information? I guess I
would need a list of the changes made as well? Yes that will be included
with your installation, service and operations manual
9) Do you use one or two ECU's. Some builders are installing two. I don't
believe that 2 are necessary but a second one could be provided for an
additional cost.
Follow-up: What would the cost be here? $1900.00
10) I have been told there is an issue with the brushes on IVO props. The
issue is the brushes wear out very quickly. The brushes provide the motor
power I think. What's your experience? Many builders are not mounting the
bracket support for the brushes with enough rigidity. My experience with the
IVO prop has been excellent.
Follow-up: NOw that I think about this it does make some sense. Have you
replaced your brushes in the 260 hours of flight?No
11) What is the lead time before delivery? 6 to 8 weeks.
12) What is the purchase process. This depends a bit on the answer to 11
above. 50% deposit required. The package would be shipped upon receipt of
the balance.
13) Can you describe the installation instructions you provide? The
instructions will be provided on a CD with photos detailing step by step
installation.
14) I am building a Murphy Moose. Yes it is different than an RV7. My hope
is that you would be open to selling the standard RV7 package and I would
make the appropriate alterations. I believe your cowling is composite.
Assuming it is glass, I am very comfortable making the appropriate
modifications. The larger challenge is the engine mount. My intention would
be to receive your standard package and have a custom shop alter the mount,
or build a new one using yours as a template. One alternative here is to use
whoever you are using for the mount. I am assuming you don't make these
yourself and have a fab shop in Phoenix do them. I would be very open to
working with your shop if that made sense. Your thoughts? I would prefer to
fabricate your engine mount personally to insure that it is correct and
won't interfere with the engine installation.
Follow-up: Music to my ears! I would provide, a map if you will, of where
the 5 points on the fire wall are for attachment, lower-left, lower-right,
upper-left, upper-right, and upper-center. THe upper center attaches to a
"Y" bar that can be seen through the windshield which transfers the load to
the rest of the airframe. I would also provide a center line relative to
these points. On many engine mounts the axis of the prop is tilted 1 degree
left or right, I forget. I think my plans tilt it to the right. Is this
possible?
Looking forward to your responses and perhaps a conversation on the phone in
the near future!
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