Can't say that I fit the 'used a Subaru' category, but have considered the
option a lot. My general take:
1. EJ22 too old and hard to find, and even if found, the long ago reported
Delta cam regrind to get more HP never got beyond a couple engines. So,
EJ25 is the logical choice for Rebel if you want at least 150hp.
2. Somewhat surprising, fuel use is very close to Lyc 0320 (according to
experienced EJ25 flyers on yahoo.com soob list). Fuel economy then is
mostly just in auto fuel, although admittidly you do get 10% more max HP in
an EJ25 for same overall/cruise fuel consumption.
3. Weight. Hard to get a good read on this. Some on yahoo soob list say
their EJ25 plane is 50+ lbs lighter than 0320 of same type -- these are
Glastar and Cozy drivers. But I know of other EJ25s from that same list
report 25-50 lbs more than 0320, and higher Soob weight is what Bob has
said on this list from the many he has seen. Weight reports are always
confusinig as to what they include, but IMO, an EJ25 could probably be
done(with a lot of work) very slightly under a standard 0320 weight, but
more typically 25lbs more. An 0320 can be lightened below "standard"
(electronic ignition, alternator, etc) and pick up other benefits, not to
mention that now we know Prince props work well for 25lbs less than typical
Sensenich metal on 0320.
4. Other: apparently the smoothness of the Soob really is nice. Entry
price also can be very nice (or not). Conversion/etc time is a factor.
Biggest overall thing for me was deciding I wanted more of a tried and true
power compared to the tinkering it seemed most on the Soob list had to keep
doing.
But holy cow Bob, sounds like you got a lot of Murphys under your belt --
maybe a 6cyl Soob on a Moose? There was that guy on cozy guy on yahoo
soobs doing one as a demo -- I've not kept up tho.
-Ben
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used a Subaru engine
in their Rebel. Model, performance, redrive, and would you do it again.
Thanks Bob Johnson. Rebel 652,725, Moose 226, and now Rebel 192/731
-----------------------------------------------------------------
List archives located at:
https://mail.dcsol.com/login
username "rebel" password "builder"
Unsubscribe:
rebel-builders-unsubscribe@dcsol.com
List administrator:
mike.davis@dcsol.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------