I Bought an Aircraft Engine! - CHEAP!

[@truckpilotnate2972]

It’ll be so cool to see videos of you FLYING your plane to visit other builders projects.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Agreed! 100%

[@scotth985]

Hard to go wrong with a Rotax 912 ULS. They do a lot of things very well. Reliable, efficient, light and prolific in case you need work done. I met you last year in Jennings, La. Hope to see you there this weekend. I just bougth a zenith 701 that has a 912 uls in it and we're fortunate the best mechanic in the country is not far from us in Lucedale, Ms. Ronnie and Morris Smith are just fantastic guys. Congrats on your choice.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Awesome! Sorry...will miss Jennings this year. Weather. Also... plan to do some work with Ronnie and Morris moving forward. Yes!

[@ashikness]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel how you design your aircraft?

[@dieseldan5189]

Congrats! The longest lead time for these projects is normally getting a hanger (if you don't already have one). Lack of hangers I believe is the real obstacle to growing aviation beyond a boutique nich. I know several guys (myself included) who are on a multi year hanger wait list so we can get at least one airplane while their are at least a dozen guys at the same airport who have 2 or 3 hangers. I wish the airport had a one hanger per person policy.

[@aciagriculturalconstructio2264]

Before you mount that engine beef up the brackets that hold the nose gear. It's plenty if you plan on being an asphalt bush pilot. The factory mounting is not sufficient for any rough terrain though. Just finishing rebuilding mine. I went overkill on it and mounted the nose gear from a Cessna 206. Extra 15 lbs but we'll worth it for the rougher terrain I land on

[@scottmatthews5280]

Nice Bryan, easily achievable 833lbs in my Jab powered Cruzer. Waiting for your comments to be hijacked by you know who. Keep it light flies fantastic

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You Scott! Let's hope. These tired are quite bigger and heavier than the 5x5.00 Cruzer ones. Bit I'm not running Wheel Pants now either. Debating the header tank. We'll see! :-)

[@rlborger]

Good choice for your needs and goals. ROTAX engines start and run well. I think you will be very happy with this for starters.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Agreed. Fuel efficient as well. Thank You.

[@DIYPackraft]

I hope Edge Performance is gonna hook you up with some cool upgrades. If I were you I would plumb your fuel system with return lines so you can add their fuel injection kit down the road (if not right away!).

[@foesfly3047]

I totally agree with DIY Packraft. Set up the fuel system valve and plumbing for a high performance fuel injection system while building. You’ll be glad later.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Hey GUYS. Part of this "decision" was to keep it basic and simple. If deciding to take a different route in the future....I'll probably just start a NEW Build entirely. We'll see. :-)

[@foesfly3047]

1. Owning equipment that once belonged to Brother Justin is just cool. 2. My favorite thing about the 912ULS is how many well-proven performance upgrades are readily available. Once the plane is finished, phase 1 finished and you’ve recovered financially, add power 😎🎩♠️

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Justin is a force to wrecken with. I am in awe of him. Looking forward to seeing how this performs stock and then go from there. Certainly.

[@stevenflattum156]

It will do awesome on the 100 hp!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

We are banking on it! Keep it light... less to carry into the air!

[@martinabud5735]

Good choice, i add one 912 uls for 916.4 hrs with out any issue. I do have an air box with it and rotax exhaust. Oil change every 25 hrs and filter 50 hrs, spark plugs every 100hrs..

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Maintenance religiously. 100% agree. Hope to have the same outcome as you. Thank you.

[@martinabud5735]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel If i may say the installation of the two air filter will need to be visit, i know they are a cause of failure of the ruber duct ¨hoses¨ btw the carb and engine intake. You could add a stand off to prevend and it will keep your hardware tied at the carb. I will be at sun&fun the first day. Hope to see you . .

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@martinabud5735 Could you go into more detail on what you mention here? The "5 Year Hose and Rubber" replacement schedule does include the rubber attaching the carb to the manifold I believe. And I see most are safety wired to the intake (Carb to intake). Is there another issue?

[@Clif_Brown]

Should be great with the Rotax. I have the O-200-D on my Zenith CH-750 STOL EAB and it has worked well with passengers up to 260lbs and 6'5" so far. I participate in Young Eagles and take up young folks in my Zenith for their often first flight, and the grins and happiness are worth it all.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

THAT! Is what I am looking forward to! Thank You for sharing that.

[@Clif_Brown]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Thanks Bryan! I look forward to seeing you take people up in your new Zenith. You do great work promoting aviation!

[@n206ja]

Bryan, I think you have a really sound plan and clear path forward! Although I have the Jabiru 3300/120hp engine in my 750 STOL, the installed weight is very close to the Rotax - these are definitely the 2 lightest engine options that have a long track record. I'm assuming you got a good deal on the lightly used Rotax, so it probably was the best bang for the buck decision. Had you been buying new, the Jabiru would be less expensive to purchase and maintain and has 20 more hp, but you can't go wrong with a Rotax, especially if bought from a trusted source! You should have no problem keeping the weight down with your plan - I'll bet you'll be much closer to 800 lbs vs 850! For reference, my 750 STOL, with a similar weight engine, full paint, autopilot servos, 21" tires on the mains, and many other mods and options tips the scales at 826 lbs. I'm looking forward to seeing some real progress on your build - the engine install should go quickly with a firewall forward kit available. Now as Jon Croke would say - "get back to building!" 🙂

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

John.... I learned recently that the STOL and Cruzer airframes although same shape, are very different. The Cruzer is significantly heavier. Wings skins. Counterbalance elevator and flaperons, more ribs. Etc etc. Another reason for choosing one of the lightest options. Hope to visit you when completed. :-)

[@n206ja]

Oops! - Didn't remember you were building a Cruzer rather than a STOL. However, sounds like your plan is definitely a good one! @@ExperimentalAircraftChannel

[@jameslovell4977]

Are you going to do any of the Edge upgrades like EFI, big bore, etc...

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

At the moment.. just going to FLY it "Stock." Never owned one before and would like to get "to know it" as it is first. Then... maybe modify later on.

[@ethanlegrand33]

Good video! Going to visit Zenith in a week and a half and plan on starting my private pilots license training at the end of this year!

[@peteranderson037]

I know you were leaning towards a Corvair build for a while there. It would have been nice to watch you go through that build, but I understand why you went the direction that you did.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Still have several cores in the shop. Future project! 🙂

[@alissaeggenfellner4613]

Now, just get her flying! 🎉

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Yes Ma'am. Need to schedule a "Build-Off" week and get it all done! :-) Thank you for your positive influence!

[@davidspeyers5740]

Sad to see the Franklin go, was looking forward to that.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Me too!!! Those valve covers and case cover was painted by hand in red with lots of Love! But it probably would have added another year to the build honestly.

[@austintollefson]

Oh dang that's my hometown!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Well then! You need to stop in!

[@LeftSeatAdventures]

Awesome! And here I thought you were going to build a Corvair. 🤪Good tips on moving engines too Bryan. 👍

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Ohh boy...huge decision you made. Tough one for sure.. turbo or no turbo...

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

That engine will definitely get you into the air quicker than the Franklin. A firewall forward package will save you a ton of time and buying used probably saved you a ton of cash, too. And if you do decide you want a bit more jam...it's not a big deal to swap in something else.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

You understand. Thank You. :-) This should work nicely and quickly for the Mission at hand.

[@gibcardwell3792]

Did you consider the Jabiru 3300? Compared to the Rotax: more power (120 vs 100 hp) , less or very similar weight (178lbs), lower cost, easier, less complex install (air cooled vs water cooled). And FWF kit from available Zenith. And you can simply order parts off-the-shelf since they are still being manufactured. And probably more x country hours by far since it pre-date all the Rotax motors by many years.

[@TheOwenMajor]

Jabiru engines are sketch. Niche engine using old technology. Spend a little more and just go with ULpower if you want aircooled. That being said, why bother with air-cooled engines these days?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Considered ALL options and intensely detailed circular thinking through that. Jab was high on the list.

[@dcmanno4]

It’s time to get it done!

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Yes sir! Right away!

[@t-gill9771]

Man, I can’t wait to see that thing fly Just finished mine Also trying to build up enough nerve to do the maiden 😬 on my quicksilver MX sprint with a f-23 girth🇺🇸👍

[@jallen3391]

Congrats on your engine choice Bryan. My 912iS still runs event free in my Cruzer. Jim A. in Venice Florida.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Hey Jim from Venice! I might invite you up for a weekend (or week) soon to help me finish this thing! Enough is enough. Time to FLY! :-)

[@darrenweston6056]

My UK Cruzer with a rotax 912uls full paint sliding seats full carpet wheel sptats came in at 394kg

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

864lbs! Nice! Care to share photos and details in email or our FB GROUP?

[@scottmiller4711]

Congratulations. Did you get a exhaust with it?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

The FFW Kit comes with all things NEW. So no sense in picking up the used etc.

[@scottmiller4711]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel I did not realize that FFW kits included the exhaust system for an engine. I assumed that came with an engine.

[@devildogkilo]

Great videos. What is the useful load on your aircraft? I was looking at one for the future, but being 260 concerns me.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

All depends on the empty weight. The design limit at gross is up to 1,440lbs. (Or 1,320 is you choose to go the LSA Route for Sport Pilot). Shooting for a less than 850lbs empty weight. Thanks for taking the time to watch today!

[@mcorrive12]

Looking forward to seeing a viking install in the future! 😉👌

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

:-)

[@foesfly3047]

Actually it seems Viking is very well proven on this airframe. And Jan has everything developed and available. 150 hp would be far more interesting than 100. Not light but the details are all worked out.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

@@foesfly3047 yes that engine is flying in MANY of the Zenith Aircraft for sure and with good results. As mentioned in video, we didn't go into this build being mindful of weight so much. Installing that engine (and several other options) would put us well beyond the target empty weight and mission for this Aircraft. Many people fly over gross all the time and are OK with it. We are NOT.

[@mcorrive12]

@@foesfly3047 Agreed. Viking is my engine of choice for whenever I get around to starting a build. Now I just have to decide what it's going on... Zenith Cruzer? Rans S-21? RV-15? Brian's done enough interviews with Viking engines that I think he's given that some serious consideration. Brian, next time you're chatting with Zenith, want to ask them about future plans for a Super Duty Cruzer Design?! Large payload weight/volume capacity, ~120mph cruise speeds, rear jumpseat, off airport capability! That checks a lot of boxes! I'd think it would one up the RV-15 and Rans S-21 with the rear jumpseat. 😯

[@mcorrive12]

The flying over weight in a 750 cruzer is my exact reason for wanting a SD Cruzer. 😃👍

[@ClaytonBarratt]

It looks to good all ready and I am excited for you I cant wait for my kit.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Happy to hear you are moving forward with yours as well! Fun times ahead!

[@Mrsournotes]

Good to see Bryan. Will make for a very nice aircraft.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You! Hoping so. Need to take the family up soon!

[@yurimig253]

Well I got the 80 hp and I'm happy as a clam 😊 87 octane.. yes please....

[@chetmyers7041]

What are you powering with 80hp, and what is your useful load? I am light-sport qualified.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Pump gas! Nice! I hear it loves that!

[@yurimig253]

Zenith 701 and it's powering my imagination. it's not finished yet....

[@cparsons369]

Congrats can’t wait till she flies.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

You and ME both! Thank You.

[@Project2Aero]

Seems like a great choice to me man👍 Get that puppy on there !

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Yes sir! FFW Kit ordered. Will be bolting on parts forever real soon. Yours is looking really nice! Going to have to see it in person one day soon!

[@Project2Aero]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel Your welcome any time my friend👍

[@brycewolff6295]

Good choice Bryan you wont regret it..

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Just looking forward to Flying it! It's time. :-)

[@patrickk1966]

I’m excited to see what you picked I think you’ll come to a good conclusion you gotta experience talking all these people so let’s see what you do Yeehaw

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Yes sir!

[@patrickk1966]

@@ExperimentalAircraftChannel I definitely don’t think you can go wrong especially with a bombardier and the price is right if it’s a good engine!!! Cost is definitely an issue!! Big issue if money was no object what would you pick?

[@daviddunn1923]

Hello, what is the weight of that Rotax?

[@danielbasovitch5087]

If you decide at a future date to upgrade to the 915 "140 HP" how much modification do have to do ?

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Honestly.... probably quite a bit. That Turbo and Injection weigh a bit more and alot to get under the cowling. It can be done though.

[@Navyuncle]

Good engine choice.👍

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank You Ron.

[@voodetraike1172]

Ta ficando show de bola parabéns 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Thank you! :-)

[@danielbasovitch5087]

When you say "CHEAP" what did it cost you? 100 HP is fine for your Zenith, it isn't the fastest plane around !

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

If you look around on the internet, you can find low time used anywhere from $8,400-$13,00 often. They are out there. Yes.... this isn't for speed. Zts for climb and a comfortable long cross country.

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

PBS 241 hp turbine 135 lbs

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Sweet! Yes! Would love the SOUND of that as well! ;-)

[@michaeldesilvio221]

Just get one out of a Volkswagen.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Not enough power for this Airframe.

[@Captndarty]

I wouldn’t waste my time or money on anything less than 915.

[@ExperimentalAircraftChannel]

Yes sir. I understand where you are coming from. 915is is nearly twice the price of a new 912ULS and 4 X the price of slightly used. Aviation nearly had a budget for everyone if you play it right. :-) Highly considered the 915is though. But the FFW Kit is still in development and we want to fly THIS YEAR.