Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: ADonJr(at)aol.com
Now I dont want to start a holy war on the list here , so please,anyone with an opinion please email me directly: AirCamper(at)Yahoo.com.(BTW, finished rib #28 today!! :)Anyway, I need to choose an engine now, before I start my fuselage. Upuntil a few days ago, I was sure I would use a Corvair, but now I amnot so sure... I have been watching the videos of the '97 & '98Brodhead fly-ins and have been enchanted by the Ford installation -thelook, the romance, but mostly the SOUND. What a beautiful sound!!The problem is, I have heard rumors that the Ford installationrequired a lot of "tinkering" to keep in running well. That is reallythe only thing that is keeping me from making an outright decision togo with the Ford. Anyone with thoughts email me please:AirCamper(at)Yahoo.comThanks all!Richardp.s. Dont bother suggesting the Continental; I've fully considered it and decided its not an option. <-- polite but firm tone of voice ==http://www.wrld.com/w3builderNow you can buy my CD at MP3.com:http://db.mp3.com/Visitor/order.php3?cd ... __________

Original Posted By: Richard DeCosta
RichardAs one very early in the piece, I still have a lot to learn. However, in my brief experience I had thought that choosing an engine specifically designed for aircraft (the continental) would make a lot of sense. Am I mistaken? If not, for us Oz builders would the Jabiru be OK? Fords or corvairs are a little had to come by here.Thanks in advance for your commentsRobOz Piets: Nearly the only ones to fly inverted...________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: mb-albany(at)att.net
G'day guysI have no experience with the Jabiru personally, but have heard good reports about them. For those interested, check out the web site:http://www.jabiru.net.au/engine.htmIt looks like (for the non-purists) that it would fit well with the Piet, but with appropriate mods to the CG position. Long engine mounts, move the wing? Couldn't get a price, thoughStill no comments about the Continental?And a HUGE thankyou to Richard for his ongoing commitment to keeping us all informed with, through and about his website. Should never take that kinda dedication for granted. Done wonders for the Piet profile down here. Buy you a beer if you're ever here, mate.RobOz piets: Nearly the ones to fly inverted...________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: Ken Hannan
On Tue, 9 Feb 1999, Rob Hart wrote:> Still no comments about the Continental?> Well, I'm not building a Piet, but I'll be happy to comment on the Cont. I'm rebuilding a C-85-12F (-12 = electrics, F = flanged crankshaft). Thefirst thing to note is that these engines, the A-65, A-75, A-80, C-75,C-85, C-90 and 0-200 constitute the cheapest of the production aircraftengine to buy and service. The A- series is particularly inexpensivehaving no electrics, low compression and 4 gph fuel burn. However, someparts are getting harder to find. In particular, cylinders andcrankshafts. The C- series is a little easier to maintain (except theC-75) as the cylinders and crankshaft are the same as the 0-200 and can bebought new from Continental. Well, actually, the crank does have 1/8" morethrow, so you also hace to swap to the 0-200 con rods and pistons. The three most common models of the 4 cyl Conts are the A-65, C-85 and0-200. It's not uncommon to find a running A-65 in the $3000 - $4000.Overhauled models can be had for about $6000. C-85's cgenerally go for$4000-$6000 used and $6000 to $8000 overhauled depending on whether theyhave electrics or not. The 0-200's run for about $4500-$6500 used and from$7000 to $10,000 OH'd. Here's a list of costs for my C-85:Used crank, prop, carb, bafflesRear Accessory case + oil pump $180Still needOh yeah, the -$100 is correct. I happened across an A-75 with the crank Ineeded for $1100 and sold all the parts I couldn't use for $1200. I got tokeep the prop, carb, baffles, exhaust, air box, sump and the O/H kit thepurchased. It was the best deal I made on the entire project!Overall, I'll make out better than if I had purchased an overhauled engineand I'll know exactly what I have when I'm all done. The beauty of aproject like a Christavia or a Piet is that you have a few years to shopfor the best deals. I'm sure that if you check around your local areayou'll find someone with an old A-65 or C-85 sitting in the back cornerthat's just itching to get rid of it. One other possibility that has never been mentioned is the Cont C-125. Thelow compression version of the popular C-145 and 0-300 would make aninteresting choice for the Piet. It certainly isn't heavier than the Fordand has a bit more get up and go. The 6 cylinder makes for a low vibrationengine and the fuel burn isn't that bad. The up side is that there arestill a few of these engines kicking around and usually at a good price.Just food for thought.Ken________________________________________________________________________________