Bull Moose Walkaround with Ray Watson

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Ray Watson with Moose Mods gives us a detailed walkaround tour of his Bull Moose. This airplane has the LS3 Corvette engine, and it sound like a hot rod blasting by on takeoff. It is a hoot to fly and looks really cool as well.

[@holl0918]

Oh man is that a gorgeous plane.🤤 Edit: I want to build a Moose eventually, still going back and forth between the LS3 and the M14PF with the Barret mods.

[@ErikJohnston]

It sure is!

[@mojogrip]

Man the paint job on that thing, like candy 😋. Beatiful bird!

[@txnetcop]

Excellent lines and the perfect engines to accommodate them! Outstanding aircraft...love the simplicity of the panel!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks CowPoke!

[@kmalerich]

Beautiful Moose is every respect. The engineering that went into your conversion is amazing.

[@evopwrmods]

Beautiful Bird !!! Luv the colour shape design, Everything about it; especially that LS3...the only thing that would have enhanced this video was to have that v8 running for a few seconds....

[@zuestoots5176]

I would not trust anything in the air with a GM V8..4.6 2v would be my go to, more efficient lighter and far more reliable.

[@47EZ_DRIVER]

@@zuestoots5176 lol @ putting a ford engine in an airplane. see its not productive to bash ford or GM. if you make the proper considerations and build the engine well, it will fly for many millions of miles. Ray Watson is a good example of that.

[@raykrv6a]

@@zuestoots5176 Had a Ford Mustang with the 4.6 2v and finally had to go with supercharging to get over 400 power. Lots of the 4.6 2v blow up pistons and rods when supercharged. Powered metal rods, keep it on the ground. I have a vette now with the LS3 rated at 431 hp and it's great along with good MPG. 26 mpg on the highway. Remember the Ford 4.6 2v is a super wide engine and would change the cowling on his moose.

[@raykrv6a]

@@zuestoots5176 Had a Ford Mustang with the 4.6 2v and finally had to go with supercharging to get over 400 power. Lots of the 4.6 2v blow up pistons and rods when supercharged. Powered metal rods, keep it on the ground. I have a vette now with the LS3 rated at 431 hp and it's great along with good MPG. 26 mpg on the highway. Remember the Ford 4.6 2v is a super wide engine and would change the cowling on his moose.

[@SuperDriver379]

Is there seriously a guy commenting here hating on an engine so popular and reliable they're even in airplanes now?

[@stanbearup9200]

This is wonderful. I'm extremely impressed with the quality of the airframe build and engine installation. An all around great job!

[@a.flowers8737]

Ray, you did great job with the walk around. I loved it.

[@1950harleycharley]

What a gorgeous and unique airplane! it seems as if more can actually be done with an airplane ,as far as modifications are concerned, than with an automobile. So many wonderful unique planes...The idea of an LS3 in a small airplane is incredible. Reliability of the GM engine is unparalleled. Of course, the sound is musical!

[@rcs3030]

Hey Erik, Ahhhh...the LS3. Gotta love em. I've had a few vintage automobiles with the LS3 and of course Vintage Air (old guys gotta have that) and love the sound and of course power. I am also a pilot but haven't flown in a few years. Now am enjoying my "armchair" flying. I was in VT-22 at NAS Kingsville around 1970 as an enlisted AT. I took my flying lessons at south field. Got checked out in Corpus Christi and was allowed to fly backseat in the A4 Skyhawk as often as the instructors would allow. As an AT even got to fly TDY to El Centro, Ca when a hurricane threatened Kingsville. Ended up with about 50 hours backseat before transfer to the Tonkin Gulf. I don't think they allow enlisted to take joy rides anymore. It was great while it lasted. Sure was fun though making "I" and "J" hops at Orange Field. And speaking of fun....Ray Watson certainly has a beauty. I loved the walk around and got a great view of that LS3. Would like to hear the engine and see it in flight. It nearly brings me to tears though when I see the old Skyhawk you guys are flying. So many memories. Thanks

[@flyifri]

Very nice Moose all around. Thank you for sharing this with us.!

[@charlesl6925]

I was quite happy hearing that great quality came out of Abbotsford British Columbia! We have some amazing craftsman here.

[@gshoe7715]

Thought it was Chilliwack

[@mwb7121]

Awesome build. And great walk thru. Thanks for sharing

[@smoothuncut]

You have definitely done a well thought out and wonderful job on that gem of an aircraft!

[@1950harleycharley]

Revisited this video and learned a lot more about this conversion. What a beautiful plane with a more than enough horsepower...the attention to detail really adds to the quality of the build. If I ever got the wherewithal to be fly, this would be something to consider...the seating is nice and maybe a little tight for bigger guys! My 87 yr old friend took me up in his 47-48 Taylorcraft(can't recall which year he said)just before he sold it. While we were up flying over the ocean he leans over to me and said....I couldn't pass my physical, so I lost my license...I guess an old WW2 Vet put with enough during wartime, what's a slap on the wrist by the FAA?

[@buckbuchanan5849]

Ray is the man! What a gorgeous aircraft and super walk around by him. Much appreciated Ray!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks Buck!

[@jamescarroll6954]

Beautiful aircraft, great job building it to your mission profile. Thanks!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks much James!

[@CaptainCurt07]

Love your craftsmanship and style 👍🏼

[@SuperYellowsubmarin]

Very nice walkaround, thanks

[@1563ckg43]

Very inspiring concept. Well thought out in every detail. I’m going to say artist as well. You saw it clearly and painted it.

[@galbar-or7851]

Amazing installation with top notch attention to detail!

[@raydreamer7566]

I have to admit I was glued to this info video. So much good information and well presented. I hope you can buy the Moose portion of the Murphy Moose aircraft. Keep the production of such a good looking aircraft and very modern motor installation going into the future. I really like all of your mods.

[@texan2560]

That plane is perfect in every way! I love it! Very well done.

[@flyingwithchris2723]

What an informative, interesting and well done video this is - good job. Thank you.

[@graemedicks3139]

Superb attention to detail,clean instalation.

[@monostripezebras]

really pretty built

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

I had an initial letdown that the Bull Moose was not turbine powered. But wow! The mods are quite amazing!

[@wgmskiing]

Absolutely beautiful aircraft. Wow

[@raywatson1618]

Understand John. Many have said that we are approaching "turbine performance at piston prices". Wasn't the objective...but a good evaluation.

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

Ray Watson when I started seeing photos of the Bull Moose taken by Erik pop up on Facebook, I had assumed by the looks of it, it had a turbine engine in it. Thus my initial disappointment. I’m aware of the Murphy Moose and generally what its strong and weak points. So after the disappointment, I was pleasantly surprised by the engine specs and mods. I’m looking forward to another video of it flying and discussing the performance numbers (which I haven’t looks up online yet).

[@thetacticalfuturist588]

John Chvatal As an old hot rodder no power plant could ever be better than an LS. (Humor me)

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

The Tactical Futurist I’m not a car nut like I’m an aviation nut but I’m well aware of the popularity of the LS platform.

[@ginginthing]

Fantastic job on this plane. Could not have been better thought out and constructed.

[@billjamison2877]

Very informative video and a beautiful aircraft!

[@upnorthyooper1196]

Very well spoken, Love the plane!

[@jasonsneed3179]

Sweet Airplane!

[@ErikJohnston]

Jason Sneed Thanks Jason! Much appreciated

[@nickmalone3599]

Wow. Hope to see more vids.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

A totally beautiful aircraft , but surprised the landing gear is not more heavy duty . Thanks for your video Erik and all the best .

[@danielschwenker6994]

Very cool Ray. Can't wait!!!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks Dan...can't wait to get yours going!

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

What an awesome plane and owner 👌

[@BigO4185]

Great instructional video, as an engineer I enjoyed it!

[@BuceGar]

Amazing aircraft!

[@raymondfrank9202]

nice plane

[@MikeHongisto]

Beautiful install. I think I'd rubber mount that oil cooler though. I'd be surprised if it was designed to be secured by its hose ends. I cracked my oil cooler assembly just by tightening and loosening my oil hoses (I wasn't careful enough to fully use the cooler's jam nut). Congratulations on your conversion! I wish you many happy hours of flying!

[@markthibault8579]

Great video. Impressive machine.

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks much Mark!

[@simoncorporation3]

Excellent job, I like your Innovative engineering approach to customize for your needs in your aircraft. I'm sure it reflects in the cost as for conventional aircraft engines as per Auto converted.

[@nathanhardin6992]

This a beautiful airplane, the avionics geek in me really wants to see something like a Garmin G3X Touch just to match the amazing level of tech on the design of the airframe and powerplant.

[@aljazareh]

your excellent presentation kept watching , thank you sir.

[@Aviation101]

Dude. Awesome video!! I want to build a Moose so bad!

[@sonshinelight]

Hey Josh. For a lot less, and theyre in Texas... Bearhawk 5. Also with 1500 lbs useful

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Man that is clean. Love it.

[@ErikJohnston]

Thanks buddy!! I loved your video of the Cirrus pilot helping everyone!!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks...appreciate the feedback!

[@gjswilson]

Like having a mini Pilatus Porter

[@MsRandiCook]

I love this!

[@ben3989]

Good looking plane.

[@jamesjanssen2378]

Was never impressed with car engines in aircraft but.......... this looks very good , well thought out !.

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks James. This is a very new generation engine...so from my perspective is more "alternative" than "automotive". And...it works!!

[@1950harleycharley]

@@raywatson1618 ...it certainly is working well for you...Who out there has a bush type plane that is even close to yours, except for Mike Patey and Draco.? That is a whole different game too...I would think the LS3 would be more trouble free than the turbine/turbo whatever that is in Draco.

[@samtaylor1669]

The major factor with ls3 power is a factory new engine is $12k. You can replace the engine 3 times for the price of 1 lycoming overhaul.

[@1950harleycharley]

@@samtaylor1669 ...That is an incredible difference....mass production certainly makes the price competitive...the GM engine is supremely reliable as well.

[@raywatson1618]

Thank you James..much time into developing a clean and effective system.

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Great video. I'd like to shake Mr. Watson's hand for building a strong, simple airplane.

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks much Shane...appreciate the feedback!

[@raywatson1618]

Thank you Shane!

[@markbarnhill6300]

I want to hear it run!!

[@whoanelly737-8]

Beautiful

[@Random-rt5ec]

What the heck I don’t fly how did this end up in my home page? I am glad it did what a beauty this plane is I especially love the color. The presentation was awesome I enjoyed the immense attention to detail put into the design from the drip rail above the optional door to the oil filter relocation. If the people we elected into office had the engineering skills of this gentleman the USA would not be approaching $25Trillion of $debt.

[@LouisLupz]

Awesome!!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks Louis!!

[@gshoe7715]

This presentation is First Class. The Narration is superb.

[@larrypriest7751]

I agree with all of the positive comments I have read so far. My only problem is that I am (acronym ignorant). Your tour would be sooo much more enjoyable if, after you say the acronym, you would say the full name you are giving of the acronym. Larry Priest

[@2Phast4Rocket]

Please post the inflight video. This is a rocket of a bush plane.

[@raywatson1618]

Stay tuned. There is one on my FB page at RJWatson...others soon.

[@1musicsearcher]

Wow. Just incredible. I’d like to see how the bottom cowl is shrouded to the radiator.

[@stevemyers2092]

like to see a tube from the rear bulkhead for rods and guns.

[@1996slamster]

Absolutely beautiful install. Attention to detail second to none! I realize this isn't the type of plane to run inverted, but I'm surprised you're not using a Corvette dry sump. Also, what does it run for fuel?

[@theprojectproject01]

Ray, Have you considered Cerakote for the engine mount? VERY durable, excellent corrosion resistance, super-light, more than thin enough to allow for crack inspection, and usually quite reasonably priced.

[@raywatson1618]

Will look into that JR. Thanks!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Great video video, I definitely understand the point that losing a cylinder matters less than on a v8 but it would be cool if someone could create an LS3 head that took two plugs. Seems like that wouldn’t be all that hard.

[@yepitsme2536]

You need to make a cold air intake scoop on the top of the cowl. Air density is your friend. Taking all that hot air from the headers and also the radiator is killing power. Not to mention oil bath airfilters dont do much anyway. But it looks like a great plane! Whats the top speed? Whats the governed rpm? Have you dynod the engine to verify the 480 hp? Whats done to the engine internal wise? Gm rates their motor on standard day air. (14.7 lbs 57° at sea level) At 6000 ft on a 100 degree day the engine will make much less power

[@a.flowers8737]

What are your thoughts on the Moose with the MP-13 (?) radial engine. Did the Murphy company go out of business? I love the airplane as the Beaver is WAY out of my price range.

[@jrgb9945]

A. Flowers That would be the motor I think I'd want. I believe that have crazy longevity and are relatively cheap to replace.

[@mooby22]

Can I come up and see ya some time? I recognized Sand Canyon (more the valley and heading south) from the first video I watched of you yesterday, I had to rewind to hear you actually announce "Chewelah traffic":) I instructed out of Colville for a few years and flew into Chewelah with all of my students. I live out in the Scablands now, but I spend several weeks this time of year back up near Northport. I haven't watched all you videos yet, but from the two that I have seen, that aircraft is a wet dream. I'd love to see it up close and have you do a walk around with me if at all possible, I'd like to see the changes I'm sure have happened up at the airport, used to be that me, students and the governor to play golf were the only folks that flew in very often:)

[@ErikJohnston]

mooby22 Contact Ray at www.moosemods.com I bet he’d be happy to see you

[@mooby22]

@@ErikJohnston Thanks so much, I immediately recognized the terrain after departure and was totally tickled to see such a wicked-cool Highlander at an airport I know and pass by regularly

[@charlesbidwell82]

Super build! How does it work as float plane?

[@stevemyers2092]

I live in BC too - would like a turbo on any plane I build. In cars LS's have turbos - how easy to do that to your design? new Cowl required?

[@augustbrante8117]

Any problems with fluttering after this video? How many hours on the moose so far too? Also on another video it shows an above the head control of some sort on black tube. What is that?

[@thomasfreiesleben]

Great.

[@TheNattyPilot]

I only have 2 questions: Who do I talk to about buying a kit/fwf package, and can I finance it? (lol, but really.)

[@timberlan1234]

So first off I don't own a plane nor have I ever flown in a small plane lol I hope to one day. I have a few questions though, what your cruising rpm and speed, and was it a problem bleeding the cooling with the fill being lower than the engine. I also wanted to say what a beautiful plane and if your ever near Spokane Wa and want a passenger let me know lol. Great video lots of good info!

[@bobbates6642]

I am not a pilot but I do find plane video's interesting . That and I have been up in many different kinds of small planes even balloons . My question is could that plane of yours be set up with floats on it so you could land in even more places such as northern Canada ?

[@raywatson1618]

Absolutely suited for floats and northern Canada!

[@jimburig7064]

Curious what the all alloy LS engine weighs. It sure seems to be the go to power plant.

[@michaelpeterson4348]

Sir , Im thinking about the engine mount framing you said it’s powder coated and you want to see if the metal is cracked and not the powder coating... Im not sure what the frame is made out of.. if its steel why not just plate it ... if it’s aluminum why not just anodize it.... then a crack will be very noticeable no thick coating to try to look through...

[@bbbb6716]

Beautiful work. Why not use the M-14P engine? It produces way more thrust, is already set up for aviation application, costs less, more reliable.

[@carlosc3768]

What an incredible plane. I actually thought it was a turboprop. But hey, nothing worn with a Corvette engine...

[@jumpinjack1]

Glad you stuck with the tried and true vac. pump that's been around forever, I have yet to see a vac. pump failure in our fleet of 29 airplanes using tempest inspect-able pumps. The digital panels are nice but the expense is buried in all the marketing talk of how bad and unreliable pumps are, also very little talk about updating software problems with Garmin which is a constant battle. Your one of the old school guys lol.

[@Wrench245]

GPH? Are we buying oil at an FBO or NAPA? 100LL or 93 unleaded? I probably would have gone with the individual cylinder stacks you'd see on a Spitfire, but that's just me.

[@raywatson1618]

GPH ranges from 15-17gph. Using both 100Ll and non ethanol 91-93 Octane mogas. Exhaust of course may be done any number of ways per customer preference, including downward and muffled.

[@juanitoibericoloveless2879]

merci

[@darind514]

Start it up and let's see it fly!

[@ErikJohnston]

Darind514 Check my most recent video!!

[@darind514]

@@ErikJohnston Just saw your video! Thanks for sharing! Would love to see more videos of Moose around the country.

[@ErikJohnston]

Darind514 Go to my most recent videos and you will find two more

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Will floats mitigate the extra speed given by the cowl ?

[@raywatson1618]

Certainly to some degree Paul. For the most part however we will be using the 525 hp version for floats...but still expect within 20 mph of wheel cruise speed. The first 525hp package on order for later this fall, so stay tuned early next year for performance numbers.

[@LightWaIker]

Asbestos tape on the headers? Guessing you mean titanium wrap like the plug sleeves. Interesting build, looks fun.

[@raywatson1618]

Good catch...my error!

[@oldfoto8666]

👌👍

[@SuperDriver379]

Very nicely done sir. The obvious next step is a Turbo LS7 conversion option There may never be a need to actually use full power, other than the giggle factor of loosing 800+ american freedom power in an aircraft...

[@anewrnn]

Have you considered trying the plane with floats?

[@michaelholliday100]

Ok, did I miss it? What is the Cruise Speed and Best Rate of Climb (Vy)? Also, wow for the attention to detail...

[@raywatson1618]

Some numbers published on our website Michael...more to follow. In the meantime...cruise speeds in the 10-12k' altitudes....175-180 mph TAS. Best VY at 2000 fpm...on the light side of course. Recently a sea level departure at gross (3,500#) on a 75F day...cruise climb of 110 mph indicated (for good over the nose visibility) netted 1,500 fpm.

[@michaelholliday100]

Ray, In the video you mention that you wrapped the headers due to the heat under the cowling. Would ceramic coated headers have accomplished the same without the risk of cracking by wrapping the headers. Most header manufactures void warranties when people wrap the headers. But you are the expert and probably had a good reason. The Plane is a masterpiece. Definitely a lot more performance than an old Aeronca or a Super Cub.

[@millicentsquirrelhole582]

Wait, what? Who knew folks could fly a Corvette with...wings?...Next thing Senor Watson will have fun with will be the amidships...C8!...Shoot, ain't smart engineering...cool!...Wahoo!

[@raywatson1618]

Thanks Moses!

[@raydreamer7566]

Very impressed with all of the mods including the motor. I hope you buy the company. Would love to know the sale price on that plane.

[@randalljames1]

Well when you can spend 200+ on a Kit Fox? Not sure I want to know

[@sonshinelight]

Hey, Ray. Love the color. I want to paint my bearhawk that color. Can you tell me the color name and the system?

[@Mike-01234]

Once had braided steel hose line tear out of AN fitting on an remote oil filter adapter in my turbo charged mustang drag street car. Lucky when I saw all the smoke going though the traps end of the 1/4 mile didn't get under my tires. I shut the engine push the clutch in it was 5 speed before any damage happend. The track was not happy took 30 minutes of cleaning sprayed oil from about 1000 foot mark. The line hose was rated for fuel and oil I suspect the high pressures and very hot engine oil running though it eventually broke down the end of the hose split pulled right out there was still chunks of hose stuck in the AN compression fitting. I replaced the hoses with hydraulic line used for heavy equipment place by me serviced street sweepers the ends are pressed on can hold 2000 lbs of line pressure. After that experience I limit the use of hoses I'm not really a fan of that braided stainless steel can't see what the hose condition is. I removed most of it from my fuel system replaced with aluminium lines short hose jumpers to my engine for flexing and vibrations.

[@reggierico]

Beautiful utility aircraft! Where are you located? Looks like the Sierras?

[@tileman1814]

Looks like NW Montana to me!

[@raywatson1618]

Jeffrey...located in the PNW at 1S9.

[@raywatson1618]

Washington State...1S9. Come and take a look and go for a demo ride!

[@sblack48]

Any plans to put it on floats?

[@Nicky-Stiles]

I drooled watching this. What’s your fuel burn? Awesome plane.

[@raywatson1618]

Nicholas...between 15 and 17 gph, with TAS from 155 to 175 mph.

[@LightWaIker]

Why wouldn't the intake be piped to receive cold air from the front?

[@propellerhead9197]

Icing

[@carlosmurphy4u1]

Nice! Nice Nice!! Nice Nice Nice!!! Nice Nice Nice Nice!!!! WOW!

[@evernhamanderson]

Looks like there is a split in some of your flexible ducting leading into that under-dash mix plenum.

[@ErikJohnston]

evernhamanderson Indeed. Easy fix though. We just didn’t have time before we filmed the video

[@raywatson1618]

Good eye...got that fixed!

[@hiker2742]

Does it fly?

[@dumberfeet]

do you have a firewall forward weight with accessories and fluids?

[@raywatson1618]

Right at about 510#.

[@app4902]

LS swaps are inescapable

[@AClark-gs5gl]

I'd like to see a tricycle gear model/option.

[@randalljames1]

sure seems like you had to do a lot of "extra" reinforcement/bracing .. Just due to the extra power? Very slick install on the LS, racers have developed a lot of data on these motors and have proven uber reliable.. (FWIW.. do not believe there is any asbestos in that wrap :) )

[@ErikJohnston]

Didn’t have to but chose to

[@dreoneful]

Now I have an idea for a 427 stickshift plane