Installing a turbocharged EDGE Performance STi Rotax engine in my RANS S-7S

[@gxlbiscuit]

Thank you for not Draco-ing up your STOL airplane by forcing extreme crosswind ops when you can take off and land almost anywhere. Great work!

[@kcpumpguy]

I like the full-on Aligator wrestle crosswind landing attempt. Forget that, get out of there. Come back around and land into the wind in the rough and get her stopped in about 30'with zero drama. Great video, I really enjoyed it. Glad to know you are back in the air! Wow, that was a big job.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

ha yea! that was a handful.. haven't flowin in 2 months either so wasn't feeling a 100% and thought.. be a damn shame to wad this thing up right after getting all this work done!

[@kcpumpguy]

@@GravityKnightFlying That's exactly what I was thinking watching it. "Go around, you can't prang it up now". When you went around I assumed you'd go somewhere with a crosswind runway (certified trike thinking). Nope, I'll just land into the wind right beside the runway and stop before I even need a runway.

[@ricktoberfest]

Good decision, when Patey cracked up Draco and he just kept saying how he should have just pointed the plane into the wind across the runway. Your plane is made for off runway, might as well utilize that.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

@@ricktoberfest agreed! that was a real shame to watch what happened to Draco. I have definitely fallen into that - I think I can pull this off frame of thought... I felt for him... he knew better.... man that's hard on a guy.. been real close a few times!!.. try to always learn from things like that... glad everyone was ok, he will rebuild it bigger and badder.

[@davidrobins4025]

It is so fulfilling to do the work and then get good results . Congratulations.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

agreed, thank you sir

[@ajggg]

Well done on getting it done! Usually I would have dropped and lost a nut while trying to keep the motor in place! Amazing to think that little engine can pull you and the whole airplane so easily!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Andre! it really is!

[@markperkins5664]

Nice job! I’m happy to see you up in the air again. Hopefully no more surprises, and you can now have some fantastic summer adventures.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

man I hope so, thanks Mark!

[@Jim_Austin]

Glad you are flying again. It sure has taken a lot of time and effort (and probably money) to get there. I hope everything continues to operate correctly.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

me too Jim

[@foesfly3047]

What an exciting upgrade. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@44hawk28]

If you would Mark the offset on that drive gear, and marked the position of the water, you could have reversed that position and then that would have actually straightened the nose of the drive gear snout. You could have said heard it or at least come very close to it. Justice a suggestion next time you have to put something like that together, one of the best Lubes I've ever used for a number of different applications, is the CRC brake Lube from AutoZone. And another good Lube would be some STP mixed with a little bit of VR1 racing oil from Valvoline, it has sink in it which would be very nice to have deposited on with those Spur Gears. It will help with the engagement of Spur Gears, much like it helps with flat tappet camshafts on solid lifters.

[@madmanmechanic8847]

When making a engine installation video make sure you back the camera back away from the engine about five miles so nobody can see what you are doing. And do not film each step of the process. That way people will learn from your video and on how to install an new engine on your plane! Good instructional video you are the man!

[@prof.heinous191]

Todd you so deserve to have that baby flying, hope you can find the time to get away for your big break, all the best bro!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you my friend!

[@captarmour]

Thats a nice little engine. I love a pushrod engine, nice, compact and light. a 6 cylinder would be awesome! nice and smooth!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Be interesting to see if Rotax ever builds a 6 cyl. I'm not married to Rotax by any means.. they have pissed me off, and they have impressed me so im kind of in the middle.. but I do like the water cooled more modern approach. If they had a turbo 6 cyl in the 200hp area that could be pretty neat. The Yamaha Apex sure is a monster though.. but for OEMs, insurance issues etc. a larger Rotax offering could have it's place in the 4 seat experimental world perhaps...

[@captarmour]

@@GravityKnightFlying The Flat 6 is the engine that is as smooth as the inline 6 but has a short stiff crank, it has the potential to be a well designed robust and simple engine. an aircooled version would be nice for the minimalists like me. something else i would like to see is the cam drive of an engine designed to take the loads of a prop so we have a built in 2:1 reduction drive...just dreaming...

[@stevenmorefield8154]

Good to see you up and going again. Nice work.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you Steven!

[@ednesbit2988]

im a student pilot and really enjoy these videos thanks for sharing such detail about the edge performance of course we love them alot they really do a great number on the rotax engines my training plane has a rotax in it remos gx and i love it thanks STUDENT PILOT ED

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thats awesome Ed!!

[@davejoynt6276]

Congratulations man, thats got to be extremely satisfying.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Fred!

[@flyingmaniac3827]

you look like a happy camper , nice job man,look like a sweet engine.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks 👍

[@Bearhawk_Life]

Glad you are back up in the air!!!

[@rjbishop12]

SWEET- glad to see you're up and flying again Todd! Guess the barbell is running like a top now. :)

[@GravityKnightFlying]

😅 ahah! indeed! thanks!

[@91rss]

with washers just add a tab of crazy glue to hold it place

[@portnuefflyer]

I feel your pain with US Customs! I too had a nightmare getting through the US customs with my new 912S, that I had picked up in Canada. I was assured that all the required paperwork was AOK, and customs should be a breeze. After waiting for 1.5 hours inside the offices, being totally ignored, while meanwhile others came and went. It wasn't like, take a number and wait, more like no one knew what was going on. It pissed me off so bad I about got up and......then I realized I better chill! Maybe, rather then being just gross government incompetence, the delay was some kind of mind game, to see how I'd react. Finally..... a lady customs agent came out and asked "who has the Prius with the airplane engine?" I raised my hand and she went out and glanced at it and my paperwork, and I was on my way 30 seconds later, "welcome back to the U.S.," she said. Maybe they were just super busy that day, but on the surface it seemed to be poorly organized and with little concern over the people effected by the delay, no one ever said, "it'll be another hour, all agents are busy." I had to get up several times, stand at the counter, wait until I caught the eye of a passing agent, and seemingly start from scratch again in explaining who I was and what I had with me. 3 or 4 times.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

oh man.. that would be very frustrating... somehow that just sounds about right though!! Jason told me he sends out engines constantly, many to the US of course, and has never had that issue....

[@loriley347]

Sounds like the us post office

[@HookedOnUtah]

super cool stuff. Great stuff on the X-wind....love the videos.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks man!

[@jodycard9489]

Awesome video, nice reference for what's going in mine in a month or so. Definitely going to use a hoist though, lol.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Jody Card good idea 😂😳

[@Watson1]

Very impressed. Just subscribed.

[@onthemoney7237]

Muscle that baby 👍and I’m gonna need a bigger crescent wrench wow

[@wreckum56]

We need to start Todd a go fund me for a cherry picker or hoist! Lol

[@GravityKnightFlying]

wreckum56 please!!! 😂😂 ... if I had remembered the nuts it wouldn’t have been so bad doing it only once lol!!!

[@kcpumpguy]

Hey, the mechanism is already there! Sign up for the Patreon program and pitch in a little so that Todd can get a lift and keep these awesome videos coming.

[@puffandstuff72]

WHY DID YOU POST THIS ON MY BIRTHDAY!?!?

[@stevemowat4294]

Awesome job Todd. now go enjoy it!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you Steve!!

[@LiveLNXgaming]

beautiful aircraft. I would love to learn to work on engines and build my own STOL cruising aircraft. The S-21 is my ideal right now but these smaller ones look like so much fun. Id love a cruise speed over 120 which I just cant find and still have stol characteristics but maybe when I can finally afford something something new will be out.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

I hear you. It's hard to get enough envelope of speed. My goal is to at some point own/build etc. something that can do 30-130 or 25-125... the 100mph window from stall to cruise would be amazing. The 21 has a great speed envelope, but it's a little too fast for me on the slow side (though not far off). The Savage Norden looks to have a real nice 30-130 approx. window of speed, through the use of impressive flaps and electric pop out slats. I may try to clean up my gear and see, supposedly the cabane gear really costs some speed. I can get 100mph indicated cruise, but after that it gets real thirsty. Up high it does true out pretty decent... Still got to be some left on the table with the gear being bare.

[@acengineer737]

I need a nut 😂. Good work, glad you are flying

[@GravityKnightFlying]

🤣

[@tomdavison9107]

Purrs like a kitten!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

sure does Tom, thanks!!

[@joseruiz-Joecool]

Congrats. Looks good last long time.

[@maxaircraft]

Greetings from Russia,big and nice job!!!!!

[@cnoz7247]

Good vid... What relocation oil sender kit did you get? And, where’d you get it from? Thanks

[@GravityKnightFlying]

this is the one I went with this time: www.aircraftspecialty.com/rv12oilsensor.html

[@jmoriarty7106]

After just doing the same install myself, this brings back memorys. What intake temps are you seeing without a inter cooler? you mentioned in one of your posts Thomas was working on for you.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Yea I don't know if that will happen... maybe down the road.. but it sounded like they wanted to design something to fit more customers, mine has to be real custom to fit the narrow 914 cowl. I think I'm going to chase after a larger turbo first, knock temps down some with that, then maybe do a kinda-crappy intercooler setup to get the rest of the reduction needed. Trying to avoid large cuts to the cowl if possible. Thank you my friend! How is your fox running?!

[@cagemcp]

That's a very expensive barbell!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

😂

[@martinabud5735]

I have a 912 ULS with the rotax airbox, like to know how many HP you have with the new modified engine ?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

probably around 125-130. Limited by high intake temps with the smaller 914 turbo and no intercooler... more to come in those areas, but it does run strong now...

[@9poppacharlie255]

Great vid, just curious your knowledge with the turbo’s is that just with the rotax? I bought a plane last october that has a TUrbo Normalized superior io-360 (180hp) and went through a major overhaul, and new top end. The shop thats working on it is having major issues with the engine break in, and no one seems to know how to trouble shoot it. Just curious, your knowledge of the adjustments with adding the turbo.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Most of my turbo knowledge comes from the car world. High boost, fuel injected stuff... and now I have some pretty decent experience with Rotax's ... haven't worked on much of the lyc/cont turbo stuff. Where are you located? I know a guy or two that are very smart with those setups. What type of injection setup do you have on yours?

[@9poppacharlie255]

@@GravityKnightFlying Thanks, any help is appreciated. When the shop calls you up and pretty much says " I dunno, we did everything we can - and I don't know where to go from here?" Thats never a good thing. I'm located in San Luis Obispo CA, but the plane is currently at Sarasota Florida at a shop over there. I just don't know enough about airplanes to really give any helpful input to the shop, but have been learning alot from your videos.

[@ChristIsMyRedeemer2024]

I know this is an older video, just did not know if you considered getting the 300 horse power Epex from Edge performance? or what your reasonings were for sticking with this one if you did consider it. Thanks Man!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Great question! Sticking with the rotax was cheaper as I had some core parts to utilize, also not having to change engine mounts etc. Another big part was already having the Edge fuel injection system for the rotax. And the final reason would be nose weight.. already a bit on the heavy side on the nose with the turbo'd motor.. the turbo yamaha is heavier. So it seemed the better or at least more affordable choice... now.... with that being said.. in a plane that is ok with a little more nose weight, if starting fresh so to speak with engine choice.. the Epex would be the choice hands down!! thing is an absolute ripper!

[@bigdaddy4027]

Quite a vertical glide slope that there old spring had, no?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

lol

[@juanpablovalderrabanoherna5663]

Amazing material! By the way what is the name of the song 24:07?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

I use epidemic sound for music, let me find the name.. I was searching 80's stuff one day and found it... City Lights, City Dreams

[@juanpablovalderrabanoherna5663]

GravityKnightFlying thank you!

[@scotth985]

Your plane jumped off the ground. Curious what your thoughts are when you get more hours on it.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

will keep you guys updated.. it is running strong for low boost! very fun and responsive!

[@timstephenson3341]

Upgrading my 912s to put in an engine EGT / CHT guage and interested to see what guages you have installed around 23:42 in this video. Are they MGL and if so which ones? Would you still use them given the benefit of hindsight? One of your other videos shows you having a load of problems with their EGT probes, can you show a link to the ones you now use please.

[@xplorafrica799]

Hi Todd, I have a question about your experience with “low oil pressure”: you mentioned that it was due to a fitting sucking air. Pls tell me where exactly you found the problem?? I have a low oil pressure too. We have tested everything outside the crank casing, but with no success. I’ll really appreciate you getting back to me. Etienne (South Africa)

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Xplor Africa hey Etienne, in my case it was one of these goofy high flow fittings on the setrab cooler... fixing it raised the pressure 10 psi maybe 15 higher. Have you checked to see that there isn’t a crack in the pickup tube inside the oil tank? Not sure that it ever happens on these- just something that had crossed my mind to look at. Have you replaced the spring on the bypass? Or tried more shims? Also the senders go bad - Assuming you have verified with another gauge or sender? Just some thoughts...

[@xplorafrica799]

GravityKnightFlying, I have used alternative sender and gauge, replaced the oil pump, add up to 3mm shims all with absolutely no difference in pressure. So my next step is to follow your advice and inspect the pickup line and fittings. I have to explore every possible avenue before opening the engine 🙈. Total hours on engine is 1600. So it might justify a rebuild. Thx for your advice!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

@@xplorafrica799 I was trying to think of what could cause it internally. I mean, of course if the bearings are wiped out- you could have a lot of clearance and low pressure. You would probably see bearing materials coming out when draining oil. Have you cut a recent filter open? 1600hrs really isn't much for a Rotax, especially if stock.. so hopefully it's nothing internal. Man I hope you can find the issue..... that is a bummer.

[@brettstuart7766]

You still flying the edge turbo? Any concerns or feedback?

[@s-21mtnflyer70]

Hi Todd, I am considering buying a Rans S 21 Outbound and wanted to know what you thought about the Yamaha apex with the up grade from Edge Performance for an engine choice? Thanks

[@bamaverick8740]

Whats the total Cost of this engine and upgrades? And previous owner did not know of the small leak which turned into a major engine overhaul?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Hey Maverick. The crack developed after I bought it.. it had no leaks for some time that I owned it. Probably 75 hours or something like that. Bad timing for me! The total cost can depend on what parts are re-usable. I was able to re-use quite a few parts from my old engine and do some of the work to help knock the price down. So I don't know if I should throw out numbers as it may not be accurate. Depending on where you are, there are dealers you can go through to get in touch with Edge and find out more info and real numbers. Let me know and I'll get you some contact info. I think worst case scenario is if you buy an engine from them with no core, or parts etc. it can cost up in the mid 30's for the full turbocharged, injected high power version of the rotax. I think the Yamaha is cheaper, and absolutely worth considering. I would do that if I was starting fresh and the extra 25-50lbs wasn't a problem in the nose of the S7. I believe their deal (claim) is that you get more power and less weight than a 915, and it costs a couple thousand less, this is the for their Rotax like mine.. the Yamaha is about the same weight as the 915 but way more power!.. don't quote me on all this though without chatting with them - I would talk with them if interested and see what can be worked out. -Todd

[@bamaverick8740]

@@GravityKnightFlying Thanks for the great content and your honest reply! I have been looking at the Yamaha as well! Your plane is is very nice , super clean instrument panel and color scheme! Great looking plane!

[@bamaverick8740]

I’ve also been looking at the Savage planes as well topped with a Yamaha! I think it would be a sweet package! Thanks again for your knowledge and input! -Brett

[@chupacabra1765]

What is the surface of your strip, looks like synthetic turf on concrete or asphalt?

[@916medic]

Todd what's the HP on that engine?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

155 capable... I'd say right now around 125 ish. Maybe a bit more. Limited by intake temperatures... the 914 turbo is smaller than the one edge supplies with their full build, so that is also a limiter on temps... does run strong though even like it is!

[@oceanhome2023]

Water Pump ?? Isn’t supposed to be an air cooled engine ?!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

rotax engines have water cooled heads (and air cooled cylinders.. but the head/water system gets rid of most of the heat by far)... overall very nice.. sub 200 temps, no real worry about shock cooling.. can run high compression (efficient) with 91 octane fuel... does add a bit more complexity and stuff to work out, but generally that stuff doesn't produce problems...

[@aaaassss4320]

Nether beast?

[@TROUROCKS]

way way way over priced .. real men fly yamaha f1 .

[@GravityKnightFlying]

real men don't say ignorant comments like this on youtube videos while hiding in their basement... 👍

[@simianwarthog]

Wow that engine looks so tiny out of the plane!