Auto Conversion Engines Used To Power Plane | Corvair

[@donbaker8252]

The comments about this engine are unbelievable; this guy has produced a reliable and well thought out conversion that has stood the test of time. Comments like flying behind a 40 year old scrap engine, your continental, lycoming engines are not State of the art but they are proven technology like this conversion. I have personally witnessed the dedication that Wayne provided at his seminars, it is always safety first with him I've never seen him try to sell anything he didn't believe in 100%. Before making offhanded comment look into what this person is actually done and provides to the aviation community.

[@598133]

Very well said Don, I agree with you

[@mhilderbrand7693]

William is one of the good ones!

[@peteranderson037]

I guess those people don't understand that the Lycoming O-320 in the 40 year old Cessna 172N that they rent from the local flying school is just as old and just as worked over as the Corvair engine in this video.

[@MrPaige222]

That, and the people who charge 50, 000 dollars for an engine that probably costs 5 grand to overhaul.

[@robertoskeetrech3206]

If you want to stake your life on engines that were pieces of junk when designed go do it. Guess what - you can't pull over when in the air. Your romantic notions won't save you or your passengers.

[@jackburnell3209]

From the time I was a little kid I dreamed of flying. In high school a friends dad took him and I up in a little single engine plane. I was a little surprised at how lightweight and rickety it was. When he flew us what seemed to be straight up then killed the engine and pretended to panic before restarting it and laughing like a madman...that cured me of ever wanting to fly again. Not for any fear of the plane, but because I found out that you could be insane and still get a pilots license. I didn't tell my parents about it for years.

[@jameshardy2039]

Well put. Glad you do this for the experimental flyers.

[@crazyc99]

What's the max hp you can squeeze out of the 3.3?

[@tpspc03]

I believe 120HP is the largest they currently have

[@oldowl4290]

Some guys are still using Subaru 4 and 6 cylinder boxer engines with their experimentals. Personally I think they are fantastic conversions and like any they have pros and cons. There are of course naysayers who feel they've not been refined enough or been around long enough to be "proven" but I also think that's subjective to who has done deep homework to make them a long term success.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Since the Toyota V6 is so smooth and reliable would that work well?

[@williamparker917]

Viking engine that was mentioned in the video uses Honda car engines. You would have to see what the weight to power ratio is, and make sure the air craft it's put on can handle it weight. Like he said in the video conversions have a bad rep. for this reason people just try what that can without doing the research and testing.

[@mombasasherman]

The 1GR FE V6 would make for a very good conversion... Good point Parker

[@chriswalton720]

A major issue with newer V6 engines is that most of them are fairly tall and narrow to fit sideways in a front wheel drive engine compartment. This shape is not optimal for most aircraft cowlings. It fits better if you turn it upside down, but now your oiling system just got much more complicated.

[@weofnjieofing]

The problem is the weight, cooling system and reduction gearbox you will need to slow the prop speed to about 2600 rpm. The corvair option does away with all that leaving you a smooth, direct drive, simple and reliable installation that you will understand inside and out as you actually build the engine yourself (though you can buy completed units).

[@thisismagacountry1318]

@@weofnjieofing Thanks, what about the Lexus inline 4 cylinder turbo? It's all aluminum and should be a decent candidate.

[@tafaragadze6432]

What is the aircraft in the thumbnail?

[@chrisingram9798]

That is the JAG, an RV 6 with twin corvairs. Very neat aircraft

[@richardcarroll7107]

Wow thank you. I never glee one but have owned one in a car. They are great.

[@DCGULL01]

I wonder if this would work on a Sonex? I'm unsure if it is too heavy for this smaller, lighter craft, but- if it does (mounted closer to firewall for better CoG?) it would be another solution for that particular group of craft. I know that if it drops a cylinder- it remains smooth, but- I think weight would be the primary issue.

[@ik04]

Yes. It has been done. Look up Cleanex.

[@Shmey]

In Waco, Tx, there is a retired A-4 pilot with one of these in his Sonex.

[@donaldblankenship8057]

The Sonex is in the micro category. That engine is way to big. At leasr one KR-2 builder put in a Corvair engine. For the added hp, I would like it. The KR-2 could put any engine on the front that had at least 48 hp up to 200 hp. The standard Beatle engine puts out 55 hp. That's basically what you were going to fly at above 135 mph to commonly 155 mph. At altitude of 10,000 feet, drag is reduced, and not counting tail winds could show 155 mph on the indicator. GPS at 10,000 feet with a 40 mile tail wind, you could be tim e traveling and pass your destination.

[@donaldblankenship8057]

It appears gorgeous. There is one obvious fly in the ointment: Instead of seeing an electronic igntion, or one magnito or two, it uses a car distibuter. That doesn't really save any cash up front to lower the initial cost, because many electronic ignitions are available. The FAA would look with a jaundiced eye at using a distributor. Aircraft labeled Experimental I think have much greater advantages and satisfaction if they fly well and not kill anything other than grass and themselves. But electronic ignitions are the only way to go. The car distributor on that engine cost $150 - $250 and are imfamously unreliable. Electronic ignitions cost about the same but are much more reliable.

[@v.e.7236]

There are electrtonic ignition conversiion kits for the Corvair distributor through the Pertronix line of Ignitor ignition modules that incorporate a higher spark energy coil. Very reliable and very inexpensive, as I run them on my Corvairs, one which I race to great success at high RPM (7500+) in autocross events. The distributor on this engine looks like a stock model, however, it has been modified to accept two sintered bronze bushings to aid in spark stability, as William understands "attention to detail" and these engines rarely exceed 4000RPMs tops, making magnetos an unnecessary expense for this application -- I've done the upgrade to all of my Corvair distributors.

[@captarmour]

beautiful engines! intake and exhaust plumbing look pretty restrictive. any performance upgrades in intake and exhaust manifolds? any turbo or supercharger options for better performance at altitude?

[@jasonhughey4434]

I'm sure you can you can use all the car performance parts. I have this motor in a sand rail that is 172hp to the rear wheels standard upgrades aftermarket Intake carb higher ratio roller rockers higher compression and you can go to a stroker crank an oversized jugs and pistons that can give you up to 3.3 litre.

[@DanFrederiksen]

I'm generally not a fan of old but it looks nicely compact if that is everything. Is it computer ignition? carbureted? could it be turboed?

[@playerpage]

The Corvair was the first American car sold to the public with a turbo. You can turbo the engine.

[@johnsalem7765]

How does he reduce RPM ?

[@danieljones8587]

Without all of the FAA and insurance costs your typical Lycoming and Continental engines have an intrinsic value less than an Chevy LS engine. Any LS engine is superior by design. Water cooled engines have a lot less wear and tear.

[@rileyswing9731]

I love this guy

[@jimmyboy163]

Not only did I own a few corsairs, I've also flown behind them!! Love the 65 and later model. Even had a corsair t-shirt that said: "Put the force in your Rear" !!!!!!!!!

[@PulledPurk]

I have a Monza sitting in my backyard lol

[@jimmyboy163]

@@PulledPurk cool

[@ik04]

Well said, William. I like the new top plate.

[@meninactionllc5869]

does this company also do certified aircraft ?? do they plan to ?? thank Mike for posting this

[@LaHayeSaint]

I'm waiting to start my PPL as soon as funds permit. However, this is my first knowledge of car engines being used to power an airplane.

[@tomdchi12]

The key thing here is that these auto conversion engines are essentially only allowed in aircraft that are in the "experimental" category, not in the "certified" category. (That said, there are certified conversions like those used in Diamond aircraft that were originally Mercedes diesel car engines that have been significantly modified but the company went through the process of obtaining official FAA and European certification for the engines and the aircraft they are used on.) This is at Oshkosh, which is hosted by the EAA - the Experimental Aircraft Association.

[@LaHayeSaint]

@@tomdchi12 Thomas -- if and when these auto engines are certified, these engines could become extremely popular in planes. But until this arises, there will be headwinds such as use in experimental planes only. Pilots are likely to shun these engines until such a time comes about. However, thank you for your response.

[@ubermenschen3636]

Install newer tech such as electronic ignition and fuel injection in lieu of distributor, contact point and rotor, and carburetor. Electronic engine timing and variable valve timing control will also also help. Turbo would be awesome.

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

Azalea Aviation (in Quitman Ga) produces a Turbocharged Corvair engine (120 hp).

[@MrSUPERISIS]

You would probably like to study "INNengine" engines.

[@bryantturner97]

I'm thinking a Saab engine might fit the bill. P.S. Did Paul Giamatti dub this guy's lines?

[@prasadjonnalagedda8633]

i have just few hrs in cessna s (single engine) as student pilot long back. i still keep browsing about tiny planes in GA sector. i am wondering if any experts here can clarify few doubts i have: - considering himalayan/ tibetan mountain ranges and their weather patterns, is it possible to design a piston-engine (normal petrol), single-place aircraft, with about a ceiling of 35,000 ft? - can the same aircraft be STOL & fuel efficient at low altitudes for cross country flying/ long trips? thanks in advance.

[@Shmey]

There are very few piston engine aircraft that can even reach 35,000. For anything with a practical mission, you would be looking at a TBM or better. Price of entry is about 2-4million. For a Corvair engine, I wouldn't expect to spend much time above 10,000 ft, though I think the engine is amazing.

[@prasadjonnalagedda8633]

@@Shmey thanks for the info. i am only wondering, why there aren’t any piston aircraft designs available in these modern days, especially 1 or 2 seated for high altitudes!

[@Shmey]

@@prasadjonnalagedda8633 I don't know much about regulations anywhere but the U.S. Here, the simple answer is cost. To legally fly at higher altitudes, the instruments (typically an encoder tied to the transponder) must be certified to the altitude you want to fly to. Higher altitude flight requires a longer test. A longer test means more shop time. More shop time means a higher cost. I can't remember the regs off the top of my head, but I think the requirement is 24 months, so it's not a one and done deal. The good news is 35k feet seems a bit higher than necessary. I have no idea what your mission is. I'm guessing, as a low-time student pilot, you can find a plane to fit your mission. As long as you have an accessible airport that a small plane can take off from, you should have no trouble getting started. Flying to 35k feet might have to wait a bit, but you'll get there.

[@prasadjonnalagedda8633]

@@Shmey oh no, my few hrs were like two decades ago, and i am 55 now. not sure if i take the training again, but curiosity makes me sometimes to lookup at the flights and browse internet regarding them. with these recent isolations around the world, i started wondering if a cheap certified aircraft is available, it maybe nice for some middle class individuals, who are willing to own & fly them privately. because there is lot of traffic between india & nepal, and also for accessing remote communities living in mountain regions across the country- i became curious about high altitude tiny aircrafts. also, i guess, most of the governments around the world won’t be happy with individuals flying at high altitudes. anyways, thanks again for your feedback, as i am trying to educate myself a little bit regarding, if many requirements can really fit in one machine.

[@pebutts]

@@prasadjonnalagedda8633 Several issues with flying at that altitude that pretty much eliminate small inexpensive aircraft doing it. The most important are the need for cabin pressurization and the problems with operating a propeller aircraft in air that thin. You can't fly at 35,000 feet without a pressurized cabin. Those aren't cheap and designing a small aircraft that can be pressurized isn't easy or cheap. The Piper M350 is about the least expensive thing on the market that I'm aware of and it starts at $1.15 million. It's only rated to a 25,000 ft service ceiling though, so you'd have to put out a lot more cash to get into something that can operate at FL350. You're looking at a jet and that's way out of reach for middle class people.

[@mamulcahy]

The method used to attach the exhaust headers to the cylinders looks sketchy.

[@chriswalton720]

How do you figure? Looks well designed to me.

[@MrPaige222]

And, if it actually WAS "sketchy", wouldn't there have been failures by now? He's been doing this for a while

[@ChasOnErie]

Hmmmmm…I DONT think so … I had a Corvair … a couple !!!! I could coast to the curb and put the van belt back on … that would be tough at 10,000 feet !!!!!

[@fabienb1892]

The aero converted corvair don't have a cooling fan anymore, the propeller pushes enough air through the cowling!

[@joedoakes8307]

Why not a turbo charged version ? GM sold a turbo charged engine called the "SPYDER" !

[@docrw]

It can be done but it's all about duty cycle...

[@AquarianNomadic]

VW Bug engines are good.

[@robertoskeetrech3206]

Junk.

[@AquarianNomadic]

@@robertoskeetrech3206 Don't be a bitch.

[@jasonhughey4434]

They really are a good engine but the corvair bone stock is anywhere near 2to3 times the horsepower. Corvair engines were available in 95hp 110hp 140hp and 180hp. The 180 is factory turbo. I have a 140hp in my sand rail modified it is making 172 to the rear wheels with stock bore and stroke.

[@AquarianNomadic]

@@jasonhughey4434 A much heavier engine when you add the cooling system. You add more power but you don't fly as far when you launch off the top of a tall dune than you will with a stripped down 2160 with squirrel cage blowers. Also less fuel consumption. $5.69 in Cali. Gross. *raised in Grover Beach near competition hill

[@DrJoeHandsome]

I don't think the corvair is an easy project. Two many options, you have to be a dumpster diver to find the core, then you have to figure out what you want order/build. Or go to viking or aeromomentum get the same hp engine for the same price built for you.

[@kleinbottled79]

Did you really listen to what was being said here though? They will sell you a completed Corvair motor if that's what you want; and it doesn't even really save you that much money to build it yourself. However, he encourages people to be involved in the build process so they intimately know the motor and can therefore be a better operator/maintainer. If that whole concept doesn't appeal to you, yeah, probably work with someone else. It's right up my alley though. DIY life!

[@DrJoeHandsome]

@@kleinbottled79 true he does offer complete engines for around 1k less. There is a reason corvair isn't as popular IMO. I was going the corvair route and found myself overwhelmed with the offerings and reasoning behind everything... Then there is the corvair college.. Not an easy or moderately easy endeavor. The engine is proven, but.. There are newer and engines at a better price point.

[@jeffboatright]

@@DrJoeHandsome newer at a better price? What might that be?

[@DrJoeHandsome]

@@jeffboatright aeromomentum similar horsepower newer model engine 10k and viking engine similar hp newer engine 12k. When I say newer engine, I'm referring to the core. At the heart of the corvair, it's still a 1960s engine. If you rebuild an engine, the core is still the core.

[@josephc.9520]

@@DrJoeHandsome That's true Aeromomentum looks extremely promising. But it has one thimg that sells me: FADEC! Call me dumb or whatever but which comparable engine in that power range has FADEC? Not Rotax, only UL Power does. And yeah, FADEC isn't everything but

[@JSFGuy]

✈️

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

Wynne’s engines are top notch. Azalea engines will kill you.

[@cassimross8257]

10k sounds like my guy needs to recoup his retirement money.

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

You obviously don’t know what goes in these.

[@mattivirta]

how you can waste money 10k one car engine ????? i buy my toyota 2,4 liter engine new and cost less than 3000$ new- how waste money one engine 10 000$ have all parts gold and titanium and diamond or what have cessna or other lycomin 300hp engine can buy used ,less than 4000$ and waste money repair this in home new conditino new parts ,bearing,piston rings, seals, oil pump etc, less than 2000$ or 3000$ but then have diy made new engine and can fly next 100 000 hour or more. less than 7000$ can build owen new condition engine and lot better and powerfull more .about 300hp. can use many different big plane. and have good change old little cessna 182 to lot better powerfull.

[@mattivirta]

@@gammaraider 25000 $ and this price have air 13000 $ ower price.

[@robertoskeetrech3206]

You are the kind of guy who ends up in a smoking hole because you don't think past the end of your nose.

[@flexairz]

Well, if you want a 40 year old beat up scrapyard car engine into your project, go for it!

[@kleinbottled79]

A good engine block is a good engine block. All the other parts are new afaik. To this day people are putting 60+ year old engine blocks into drag cars making ungodly amounts more power than ever intended for said block. If it isn't rusted or damaged in some way it's still perfectly usable.

[@ubermenschen3636]

@@kleinbottled79 ::: it’s about getting a good block and nearly new cylinder sleeve.

[@aeastes11]

He doesn’t think a block can be a wear component😂

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

Says the guy who knows nothing about engines

[@Joe-fi4hv]

You plane guys just love spending money. Same engine in a car would cost $2k, but since it's cheaper than a real plane motor yall jump all over it. Supply and demand Gentlemen; you keep paying for a $100 burger- it'll keep costing $100.

[@far1002]

10000 to build corvair engine 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂 con artist

[@briansantana3157]

If you think that’s expensive don’t get into aviation lol

[@stanRmeyer]

It's really no longer a car engine it's been redesigned with aviation in mine everything is more Aviation proof

[@mhilderbrand7693]

I was priced around $25K to overhaul a 1960 Lycoming 180HP engine. This does not include the mechanic fees and other collateral stuff needing replaced Firewall forward, guessing another $5K for that.

[@mattivirta]

@@mhilderbrand7693 you pay lot ower price, stupid pay, internet and many hangar have used good condition 200hp-400hp lycoming endines can buy less than 4000$ and if want can repair all new condition less than3000$ all engine have new good and can fly next life full.

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

@@mattivirta suuuure u can 🙄