Dominator with EA-81

[ToddP]

I really like the idea of building a dominator with an EA-81 w/ redrive for a couple of reasons. First I like the idea of flying with a four stroke because they are quieter, more fuel efficient and there is the expectation that they are more reliable. Plus the 100 hp should make for great performance, even with the increased weight.

I bought a set of single place dominator plans but then got to wondering about a few things. The extra weight will obviously require a little re-engineering of the frame. I know Thump Daddy built the thumpernator with an EA-81. I'm going to ask him but wondered if anyone else has tackled this project, and how did they handle it?

The help is appreciated.

[Doug Riley]

I'm not sure any re-engineering of the Dominator is needed to use a Subaru. Ernie has offered them with the Sub 4 for some time now. Why not ask him before taking on needless re-design work?

[GyroRon]

please tell me you want to go ahead and sell me the blue bandit of yours to fund this ea-81 project!!!! I will hop in my truck with trailer tomorrow! I miss REALLY miss my red dom. :'(

[ToddP]

Well my friend,

You're more than welcome to come out and fly it, but she's not for sale. My plan at this time is to always have at least one flying gyro on hand. Its agonizing working on a project when you don't have anything to fly :- .

If I start on a new one, I'll take my time on it.

Does anyone have any feelings one way or another about using a ea-81 conversion on a dominator?

Doug, do you know if your landing gear geometry is any different on the 2-place to handle the added weight? I'll definately give Ernie a call, I just thought I could get some of the questions out of the way.

Todd

[CLS447]

Todd, Are you gonna build the engine ?
Whose redrive are you considering?

Do you know what happened to Thumpernator?

Check out NSI & Sub 4 . It must be a great engine to put this kind of R&D into !

Did you see Dick Degraw's EJ-22 engine on Carol's 2 place Dominator?

[Doug Riley]

Todd, I haven't been around single-place Dominators enough to focus on the differences. The 2-place is taller and can accept a 70" prop, while the one-place is limited to about 60." As far as I know, the landing gear components themselves are the same.

In any event, Ernie puts Subs on 1-place Dominators all the time. I'd just consult him and take his advice.

[MikeBoyette]

Hey Todd, give dad a call he has several EA-81's that will be outfitted with the gear boxes for Neil in New Zealand. I Think dad can sell you the engine ready to go. Since your machine was assembled from a kit he should be able to just give you a new mount and all you have to is bolt it up. I sure it won't be that easy, however it will be easier because yours was built in his jigs. Any how give him a call.

[Neil Hintz]

I've built an EA81 ( SUB4 ) powered single seat Dominator and I think the only major changes were blade diameter, head position, and I changed the shocks ( because I couldn't get the ones use by Ernie here in NZ) , so I ended up using longer units and changing the linkage to retain the same travel but less pressure needed to work. Also managed to get some progressivness into the suspention, but noting wrong with what Ernie uses! This is a good engine to use and I must say at no stage working with SUB4 did we get anyone complaining about lack of power!