Eric Ulmer wrote:

> Justin,

> What were your experiences with the VW engines you had?

> I'd like to use the information for myself, as well as

> post it on my letters from builders section. I get a

> few letters a week from people asking about what you've

> already done.

>

> I recently got letters from Rodger who's using a rotary in his

> Dragonfly, but he stated in his letter to me

> that the "Best" engine to use in the Dragonfly in his

> opinion is/was the 2180 Great Planes. I'm kind of

> interested in the Wankle rotary except for the cost.

> I guess what's keeping me from making a decision is the

> amount of work to keep the VW happy. I've heard some

> complain about adjusting the valves, etc.

Eric, any engine other than the VW installed in the Dragonfly will call for a lot of design work from the builder. Therefore the "best" engine for the DF will be the VW. I know of no motor mounts, entake/exhaust system made for any other engine to fit the DF. I had to design and build all of the above for the Legacy plus radiator system & cowl. I am now going through the process again for the O-200. I guess I am a frustrated design engineer.

The last VW I flew was nine (9) years ago. As I recall, I don't miss the continuing valve problems, oil leaks & cooling problems. The in-flight broken crankshaft was the last straw so to speak. I know a lot of people that have had the same type of problems I've had with the VW. I also know of some who have had very good luck with the VW. I guess you pay your nickel and take your chance.

My personal choice after having both the VW and the Legacy and talking to satisfied DF and Q bird drivers that have the O-200 is the O-200 Continental. For about 40 lbs more you get 30 hp more than the VW not a bad trade. I have heard a lot about how inexpensive the VW/Corvair/Mazda are to maintain. That may be so, however, if you spend the $8,000 for a fresh yellow tagged O-200, you should have no major maintenance for ten (10) possibly fifteen (15) years of normal flying. Spend the same for a converted VW I will be willing to bet you will be spending a lot of maintenance time and a fair amount of $ for mechanical maintenance.

Convert the VW yourself for $500. and you will be spending more time repairing than flying. Been there done that!

I am in the middle of converting the OLD O-200 to a fresh NEW O-200.

Gone is the old carb, gone are the old mags, gone is the old kidney oil tank, gone is the old starter and generator.

In with the new Saturn engine computer to control ignition and multi-point fuel injection. In with the new B&C starter and Jasco alternator. I will grant you its a lot of $ up front but if the logs that came with my used engine are any indication, the major maintenance for 2000 hrs will cost very little.

I have been a firm believer in computer controlled ignition and fuel injection after 8 years of flying the Legacy with zero (0) maintenance $spent. Just look what Continental is doing, they are in process of switching to complete computer control for the engine.

Enough soap box! Hope you can get out to the DF flyin March 20 1999 here in Tucson.

Justin