As fas as a turbo on a Corvair engine William Wynne has already test run a
junk yard engine with a turbo set up and it has worked very well. The secret
is to have the turbo high enough so that oil can return to the sump under
gravity so there is no need of a scavange pump. Therein lies the problem with
turbo setups in small planes like the KR where turbo charging can be
economically feasible because of the altitudes we can fly. There is very
little room
to install a turbo package and keep it above the sump level. We have room
under the engine but not much elsewhere. I am in the process of building a KR
test stand/mount /engine/cowl setup for the purpose of a turbo conversion. I
will continue to fly mine as is since the performance without the turbo is
great anyway but maybe in a year or so I can add the turbo and see how it
performs.
The next question you have to ask is carburation, I plan a pull
through using the aerocarb. Very simple and adjustable.
Third is turbo control - direct throttle or adjustable. I am hoping to
put is an adjustable wastegate with manual control so I can feed in pressure
as desired or fly normally aspirated like normal. Lots of thinking to do...
All that is required is to maintain pressure 28-30" at altitude. It would
make my KR a 200+ cruise easily at 14000 and above --
Now I need to think about oxygen systems....Class A? Oh - a
transponder....IFR equipment.............I could go on..
For now I am having fun flying.
140 hours and counting....
Bill N41768
