Texas Parasol and 1/2 VW Engine......

"Morgans" wrote in message
...
Fly a full VW and count on a maximum sustained power of 40HP, with
higher power available for short term (takeoff) use.
Is there a better choice of engine for this plane?

I'm beginning to warm up to a Harley-Davidson conversion.

The output of the crank is designed for the loads of a drive belt, to
mount
a PSRU. The right cam will put out a bunch of torque at a reasonable RPM,
and there is a newer engine with a counter balance shaft.

http://www.skyray.us/index.htm
--
Jim in NC


Perhaps, but I have heard that the primary drive on a Harley may still be
chain--only the final drive is a cog belt to eliminate the source of
external dripping.

Personally, I would be a little concerned about the extreme side loads that
I have heard quoted for some cog belt systems; and might be willing to
accept the losses of a multiple vee-belt system in order to mitigate the
stress level. But this might also be a good question for the Engine Guys at
EAA Sport Pilot Magazine--who probably have the actual experience that I do
not.

Of course, there is the automatic "cool factor" of the Harley engine; which
implicitly authorizes the use of the Harley Logo on the engine cowling, the
pilot, and even the pilot's girl-friend's tush...

Peter :-)

"Peter Dohm" wrote

Perhaps, but I have heard that the primary drive on a Harley may still be
chain--only the final drive is a cog belt to eliminate the source of
external dripping.

Many primary drives on Harleys are cog belts, and wide ones, at that. If
they are running the reccomended tension for the primary, and the width is
about the same, the load should be the same, be it a 32" long belt, or a 64
inch long belt.

Haven't you ever watched any of the chopper building shows on the discovery
channel? g Most of them use cogs belts for the primary drives.

Personally, I would be a little concerned about the extreme side loads
that
I have heard quoted for some cog belt systems; and might be willing to
accept the losses of a multiple vee-belt system in order to mitigate the
stress level. But this might also be a good question for the Engine Guys
at
EAA Sport Pilot Magazine--who probably have the actual experience that I
do
not.

The guy marketing the Air Harley system says the engine is designed for the
loads, and from the bike shows I have seen, that would be supported. The
crankshafts on Harleys are massive, and so are the main bearings.

Of course, there is the automatic "cool factor" of the Harley engine;
which
implicitly authorizes the use of the Harley Logo on the engine cowling,
the
pilot, and even the pilot's girl-friend's tush...

No doubt! ggg
--
Jim in NC