Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: William Conway
Ian, the Ford Escort is basically an unknown for me since I haven't flow ityet. I used the conversion kit made by Ed Lubitz, a Canadian airline pilot. It has a simple, cast iron reduction system 2.5-1. The engine conversionis mainly changes to the carb, removing emissions system, and shiftingthe location of the distributor. The engine is reversed with the flywheelforward. I have a full electrical system and somewhere between 70-80h.p. I've run the engine about four hours static (mounted on plane)without prop. It doesn't idle very well but from 2000 - 5000 rpms it runsvery well; this would be its normal operation range taxi/takeoff/climb. Igot the components second hand so don't know if they're currentlyavailable. The engine weighs about 270 pounds. I hope to have theplane in the air by April /May first. Ed apparently flew a Piet to Oshkoshin the late 80's with this engine conversion. I've not run into anyone withthis set up so have no other reports. My whole installation seems solidand I hope it will work well. Ask me in a few months. Bill ________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: RdwdSgn
Rick, the Ford Escort engine conversion is based upon a kit designed byEd Lubitz, a pilot from Canada. The engine weighs 270 poundsapproximately and puts out 70-80 hp, more with various camconfigurations. The redrive (2.5-1) is mounted on the flywheel andblock--engine is reversed for airplane. The installation has starter andfull electrical system. Conversion is all external--mounting redrive,modifying carb, shifting location of distributor, removing exhaust emissioncontrols. So far I have 4 hours static on the engine. Doesn't idle well butruns fine in 2000-5000 rpm range. Conversion manual says it takes 2000to taxi and 4000-4200 cruise, 5000 to take off. I've had some coolingproblems but have been running engine without prop--something you cando with a car engine conversion. I have high hopes for the installationbut don't know how it will be for reliability or anything else. I hope to beflying it by May 1--ask for details then. ________________________________________________________________________________