Aerovee uses cast cranks if I'm not mistaken. It was learned long ago not to use cast cranks for VW powered aircraft. If I'm wrong, and Aerovee has gone to forged cranks somewhere along the line, then obviously the alloy used in what they bought off the shelf at the sand buggy shop needs improvement. I've never heard anyone who knows VW conversions say anything very respectful about the Aerovee. Bob Hoover lumped them with what he called the "kiddy trade".
Aerovee's, in my humble opinion, are just aftermarket off-the-shelf crap with pretty red paint. That stuff is designed to last one sand buggy season. You need to watch out for HAPI's too. If someone inherits either one of these engines you need to take them all apart, see what you've got, and put them back together using a bulletproof crank, hub, and top-quality everything else. ************** It's good procedure with the Type I to do the valves with every oil change - 25 hours. Going 100 hours between adjustments is asking for a burned valve, usually left rear exhaust. VW conversions, at least the two I'm familiar with (GP and Revmaster), are very trustworthy and wonderful engines when operated within their temperature limitations and when maintained as specified in their manuals. I did my top end on my GP a couple winters ago and fully expect it to go another thousand hours before it needs another one. The sweet spot for my engine and prop combination is 3150 RPM WOT at altitude (8K and above). Mike ____________________________________________________________ Banks Forced to Forgive Credit Card Debt See how much of your debt could be settled! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f9108d8d0fee6e2c0cst02vuc
