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| which engine? http://t18.net/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=6420 |
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| Author: | dcuke [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 10:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | which engine? |
Trying to decide what size of engine for my t-18. Does anyone have any suggestions besides the economy and power pros/cons? |
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| Author: | Rich Brazell [ Mon Nov 29, 2010 10:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | which engine? |
Look under "Thorp Specs" on the main page. It will give the acceptable Lycoming HP range. Then look in your wallet for the correct answer. RB |
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| Author: | fytrplt [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 6:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | which engine? |
Dean, I have flown T-18s with O-290s up to O-360s. Many O-290s are great performers, if you keep them light. I had the pleasure of blowing away the BD-5 in the old Oshkosh fly-by pattern back in the day with an O-290 powered Thorp. Jim Bede put the BD-5J (jet) up due to the then new T-18's apparent performance. The O-360 will get you off, up, and down the road, but is a 2 - 2 1/4 hour plane with its appetite for fuel. It is also recommended that several of the skins be increased in thickness when installing the higher HP motors. An O-320 job will run with the big dogs at eight GPH, if kept light. JT's personal plane had an O-360. |
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| Author: | leewwalton [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 4:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | which engine? |
As Bob said, weight is the key, an 800 lb 0-290 powered airplane flies like a dream, as does a 1050 lb 0-360 powered Thorp. A 1000lb 0-290 airplane though ... not much of a performer. So as was pointd out already, it's a combo of what you've already built and or what you see yourself ending up with. I would not outfit an IFR T-18 and hang an 0-290 out there personally. I've given this some thought lately (don't ask why [;)]) If one was not interested in flying in the clouds and had a lightweight airframe, I'm thinking a 160 hp 0-320 and an AD prop might be the way to go. If I were to do it again I think I'd go straight VFR/lightweight try to keep it under 900 lbs and hang the 160 up there. Reason (s) ... 1.) more than enough 0-320s out there for parts availability (cannot say that for the 0-290) 2.) acquisition cost is about 2/3s of the 0-360 I'm not in any way putting down the 0-360 (both N51863 and N589LW) have 0-360/CS. This is just a hindsight if i had to (or was about to [;)]) do it again I'd give the 0-320 a try. |
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| Author: | Dean Houseman [ Tue Nov 30, 2010 4:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | which engine? |
I wouldn't part with my 360, but on the other hand, I built a 320 for someone else that puts out nearly the same HP and weighs quite abit less. To me that may be the best of both worlds. It does burn a bit more fuel than the stock 320 tho! |
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