Gavin, here are my 2 cents worth. The VW engines are called Type 1,2,3, and 4. The Type 4 comes from the VW Minibus, and the Porshe 914. It comes as either a 1.7 liter, or as a 2 liter. It is the best, for two good reasons: it is the most powerful, and it is made of a better aluminium alloy, that is less prone to cracks. So, I strongly recommend a Type 4 in all... cases.
The bad news is the 2 liter will give you only 65 hp. It is more than enough to fly a KR2. Mine was built with a stock 2 liter Type 4, and it flew well, even at gross weight and at 12 000 ft density altitude. So, you don't NEED more power, but if you WANT more power, you will have to work from a VW engine, preferably a Type 4. You will have to buy a serious kit to increase the power, or to buy the entire powerplant from a good supplier (there is one n Autralia). One can push the 2 liter to 2.4, even 2.7; the power will come to about 100 hp in the best case, but you will pay for it in lack of reliability. Your costs will be: - The engine case, - The "aero" conversion (propeller drive, carb, cooler, ignition...) - And, and, and... And for all that, you will have an automotivew conversion (a home-made engine, not a certified and proven one) of anything between 80 and 100 hp. In any case, unless you have good connections in the engine rebuild world, it is unrealistic to hope for less than US$ 6000 for a 80 to 100hp powerplant. So, if you are short of cash, yet don't want to take chances with a homebuilt engine, I recommend you but either a Jabiru 4 cylinder, or the best ready-made VW conversion you can't get in Autralia? Personally, swapped my old stock Type 4 for a South-African made 2.4 liter Type 4, delivering about 80hp, on which I rigged a dual electronic ignition from motorcycle parts. Serge Vidal KR2 ZS-WEC Tunis, Tunisia -----Original Message----- From: krnet-boun...@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-boun...@mylist.net]On Behalf Of Gavin Donohoe Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 09:22 To: KR builders and pilots Subject: KR>Engines Hi All, Well the age old question, Which engine to use for my KR2S?? Here in Australia we have an engine manufacturing facility for light aircraft engines called Jabiru, and from all accounts they are first class engines. This is what I was at first going to use. However the price is fairly high at just over $18000 AUD for a six cylinder 3300 cc model producing 120 hp. At only 178 lbs in weight they are ideal power plants though a little out of my price range !!! My question is if I go for a VW engine what size do I need for over 100 hp, and can I get a kit of accessories for it, and build an engine from the wrecking yard to fit them to??? Which model VW do I need? What about Corvair engines for Australia ( we don't have them here ) How would I get one over here and what's available to help me build one??? How much are they second hand, and are there any left of the correct model for modification?? Hows the weight of an O200 conti compare to these options ? Thanks Gavin --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.520 / Virus Database: 318 - Release Date: 18/09/2003 _______________________________________________ see KRnet list details at http://www.krnet.org/instructions.html
