Hi everyone, great forum. Thanks for making it available to wannabe pilots like myself. I have a SnoBird single place that doesn't have an engine, and I'm trying to decide which powerplant is best for me. I think I have it narrowed down to three possible choices: Rotax 503 or the 582 (preferably 582), or maybe a Subaru of some sort. The Subarus I'm really not familiar with at all, other than the real basics. So here's a series of questions I was hoping the experts might be able to help me out with:
1. If I did use a Subaru engine, what type/configuration would be best to achieve the same net power to weight performance that would be achieved with a 582? (taking into account weight differences, and perhaps adjusting rotor diameter to achieve same disc loading etc). I'd also like a Subaru engine that's not underpowered or overworked. I don't really want an overpowered zoom-zoom gyro (especially being a beginner pilot), but I'm a big believer in using an engine with a decent power reserve so it will not be overworked (thereby contributing to reliability). I'd also like the extra power to help get me out of botched landing attempts etc, although I suppose this could be a double edged sword. But suffice to say I want an engine with reliable performance on par with the 582.
2. And I'd prefer a re-drive system, but I'm not familiar with the best system. Near CL thrust is very important to me, but every time I see a redrive system it usually seems to be a "hi-drive" system (with the prop shaft placed above the engine output shaft). Is it practical to invert these high drive systems and place the engine above the redrive, or does this usually not work out for whatever reason? And how reliable are the redrives? To coin a movie phrase "is it safe?"
3. Lastly, how much would a quality Subaru build be to put together?
Anyway, guess that's enough questions for now. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
1. If I did use a Subaru engine, what type/configuration would be best to achieve the same net power to weight performance that would be achieved with a 582? (taking into account weight differences, and perhaps adjusting rotor diameter to achieve same disc loading etc). I'd also like a Subaru engine that's not underpowered or overworked. I don't really want an overpowered zoom-zoom gyro (especially being a beginner pilot), but I'm a big believer in using an engine with a decent power reserve so it will not be overworked (thereby contributing to reliability). I'd also like the extra power to help get me out of botched landing attempts etc, although I suppose this could be a double edged sword. But suffice to say I want an engine with reliable performance on par with the 582.
2. And I'd prefer a re-drive system, but I'm not familiar with the best system. Near CL thrust is very important to me, but every time I see a redrive system it usually seems to be a "hi-drive" system (with the prop shaft placed above the engine output shaft). Is it practical to invert these high drive systems and place the engine above the redrive, or does this usually not work out for whatever reason? And how reliable are the redrives? To coin a movie phrase "is it safe?"
3. Lastly, how much would a quality Subaru build be to put together?
Anyway, guess that's enough questions for now. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
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