Hi Tim,
I have Jabiru 2200 engine in my KR2 and could not be more happy (well maybe
if I had fitted the 3300 I'd be happier)
Support from Jabiru is fantastic, best support I ever had on any product.
The 2200 is lighter and has about the same HP but a better torque curve than
a VW, while the 3300 is about the same weight and has more HP and way more
torque than a VW.
Getting corvairs and/or parts in Australia is not so easy and the prices not
so cheap.
Now remember I am a motor mechanic, but I have not rebuilt an engine in 25
years. Therefore if I was to get a VW or corvair I would have had an engine
rebuild shop do the work for me and the cost would then have been close to
what I paid for Jabiru.
The main factor for me going to a Jabiru is it is designed for aircraft and
works straight out of the box.
I chose the 2200 for 3 reasons:
1. Weight
2. Fuel economy
3. Price
Regards
Barry Kruyssen
Cairns, Australia
[email protected]
http://www.users.bigpond.com/kr2/kr2.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of [email protected]
Sent: Monday, 13 February 2006 4:05 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: KR> Engines
The Corvair is much heavier by far because of the weight of the money left
in your wallet. The cost of a Jab is around 14,000 - 16,000 and very
little in the way of installation support from what Ive heard. I have
around 2500 now tied up in my Corvair - but that is low in comparisson to
the average builder. I would figure the average Corvair builder would have
about 6000-9000 Firewall forward
(mount-starter-engine-prop-cowl-spinner-electrical) in their KR and William
Wynne provides almost all KR conversion parts and I have flwn
behind them. The one KR JAB that I know of flies well (though still slower
than mine but probably due to higher drag and larger pilot) but he did say
if he had to do it again that he would probably go with the JAB. The
Corvair has had a couple minor problems but we talk about them openly and
have a great man and shop with William Wynne to work these out and he has
his doors open to people whereas JAB probably doesnt. If I were going to
spend 16000 dollars on an engine I would either buy a new O200 or 4
Corvairs.....weight is not a
big issue - they all are similar. In regards to safety I know more
about
the o200 record and the Corvair than I do about the JAB. The Corvair I
have now problem working on myself - very simple straight forward engine
that any mechanic can work on without high tech tools or having to always
depend on high priced parts from and overseas company and information that
is not as readily available. Now dont take me wrong - the JAB may be a very
good engine - flown within factory limits - the "fun" with the Corvair is
that we can customize and push the limits (keeping safety in mind) and get
the most bang for the buck. I have six Corvair engien cores at the shop and
one mostly
complete spare engine for my KR allready built. There is a new engine in
it right
now with only 4 hours on it. This one I will modify for turbo....Cost -
about 500.00 to turbo it (I was given the turbo as a gift) but I may have
to pay
for other things such a exhaust work and intake work. I will not be
pushing this engine hard. The next engine will have fifth bearing , turbo
, constant speed prop, and such. But I can work on this and not be in
debt while I still fly. That is the advantage of the Corvair. The other
main advantage is the information and skills you learn while building your
engine. You gain new friends and an undertanding of engine design and
operation that is
normally lost to those who purchase a new engine in the box. If all you
want to do
is bolt on a fly and feel like you never have to look at the engine for
1000 hours or better - than dont fly. All engines require maintenence and
are prone to breaking. The O200 has one of the best record but does
require maintenance. The choice is yours. Study the individual engines,
support networks, maintenance procedures and cost, cost of operation,
reliability, and your own goals as far as learning and flying. Then make
the best choice.
Bill Clapp and 41768
Valdosta, GA
