I’m at the point I need to select an engine for my WagAero Sport Trainer. Project. I would welcome any advice or opinions from other builders/flyers
My experimental has the wood wing/spar, jackscrew trim, pressure cowl, and electrical system and carries about 20 gallons in two wing tanks. No flaps. I intend to do recreational flying with the plane and anticipate that it will spend about half the time on pavement and the other half on grass/gravel/unimproved strips. I will fly it about 150 hours a year.
I tried to build the airplane as light as I could and anticipate it weighing in the high 700# low 800# range. I weigh 215# and am 6’3” and can only fly it comfortably from the back seat. 90% of the time I’ll be the only occupant.
I braced the fuselage to accept engines up to 125 HP, but could add bracing to get it to 150 HP per the Wag plans.
When I started this project, I came across a 100 HP Lycoming O-235 C with mid-time hours after one overhaul. I bought new mags, fabricated a crossover exhaust, new carb, alternator, Lycoming engine mount, baffling, etc. After fabricating the cowl, I took the engine out and thought I’d pull a jug and check out the cam. It was full of corrosion - cam, lifters, cylinders, rods – you name it and it showed pitting. I’ve basically got a junk engine with new accessories.
I’m looking for advice on what engine to select- experimental is OK and I’m not averse to building one. A factory new or outside rebuild would break the budget.
-O-200 Continental. Will it fit inside the cowl I fabed for the Lycoming?
-Another O-235 –but get the 115HP version. Can I use the same prop/accessores? Does a 115HP motor just spin faster than the 100HP motor?
-O-290 Lycoming- will the new Slick mags and the O-235’s MS carb fit this engine or would I have to sell them?
-O-320 I’d have to sand back my powdercoating, but I could add the bracing. Do I have enough fuel capacity?
Any experience, advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Phil
My experimental has the wood wing/spar, jackscrew trim, pressure cowl, and electrical system and carries about 20 gallons in two wing tanks. No flaps. I intend to do recreational flying with the plane and anticipate that it will spend about half the time on pavement and the other half on grass/gravel/unimproved strips. I will fly it about 150 hours a year.
I tried to build the airplane as light as I could and anticipate it weighing in the high 700# low 800# range. I weigh 215# and am 6’3” and can only fly it comfortably from the back seat. 90% of the time I’ll be the only occupant.
I braced the fuselage to accept engines up to 125 HP, but could add bracing to get it to 150 HP per the Wag plans.
When I started this project, I came across a 100 HP Lycoming O-235 C with mid-time hours after one overhaul. I bought new mags, fabricated a crossover exhaust, new carb, alternator, Lycoming engine mount, baffling, etc. After fabricating the cowl, I took the engine out and thought I’d pull a jug and check out the cam. It was full of corrosion - cam, lifters, cylinders, rods – you name it and it showed pitting. I’ve basically got a junk engine with new accessories.
I’m looking for advice on what engine to select- experimental is OK and I’m not averse to building one. A factory new or outside rebuild would break the budget.
-O-200 Continental. Will it fit inside the cowl I fabed for the Lycoming?
-Another O-235 –but get the 115HP version. Can I use the same prop/accessores? Does a 115HP motor just spin faster than the 100HP motor?
-O-290 Lycoming- will the new Slick mags and the O-235’s MS carb fit this engine or would I have to sell them?
-O-320 I’d have to sand back my powdercoating, but I could add the bracing. Do I have enough fuel capacity?
Any experience, advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Phil