Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: TLC62770
I too have asked this dangerous question. The response in a nut-shell wouldappear to be one of horsepower and RPM. (Jump in guys!!)The most efficient props need get their horsepower at about 2400-2700 R.P.M.The Model A Ford engine not only sounds great, but delivers its H.P. in thisgolden R.P.M. range. Although the Corvair falls outside of this range andhas to turn a less efficient smaller prop, it has more horsepower which canmore than compensate.The VW would appear to fall into this category. You either have to use areduction gear/belt OR tweak the engine performance to get enough horsepowerto compensate like the Corvair.The only other "proplem" is that Pietenpol used only Model A' s and Corvairsto build his original aircraft. Many folks just don't want to mess with hissuccess! I never had the chance to know the man, but I somehow think thathe wouldn't have been so concerned about which brand of "motor" you use asmuch as JUST building a safe Piet...and Flying!Regards, and thanks Dom for the Subaru info!Jim-----Original Message-----

Original Posted By: jkahn(at)picasso.dehavilland.ca (John Kahn)
Jim Wright wrote:> I too have asked this dangerous question. The response in a nut-shell would> appear to be one of horsepower and RPM. (Jump in guys!!)>I am building my Piet based on the assumption that it will be non-Ford. Havenot committed to an engine yet so am interested in the Volks thread.I've assumed(no jokes please) that the low powered VW engine, coupled with losses due todirect drive (high prop RPM) , would not be adequate to propel the Piet.I've done no research on current availability of reduction units for VW, or onpower output. Do we have some real-world experience in this group to tell uswhat performance could be expected from a VW with reduction unit?Dick Winkel________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: MikeHinchman
Dear Dick: Consider doing some web surfing on the Ego Metro 4 cylinder engine, which comeswith fuel injection bosses cast into the head. Water-cooled, great horsepower,allaluminum head and block, substantial info available.Best Regards,Warren>________________________________________________________________________________