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  Race Engine Technology Magazine

Race Engine Technology
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- Aircraft Engine Conversions -

Design Considerations and EPI Conversions

EPI, Inc. has worked on several engine conversion programs, including programs to develop STC'd retrofit packages to install the Orenda™ certified 600 HP liquid-cooled powerplant into the Aero-Commander 685 and the Air Tractor 401 aircraft.

Our newest conversion project (2005) is the development of a firewall-forward 600-HP liquid-cooled powerplant system to retrofit onto existing airframes which are currently using the ancient P&W R-1340 radial engine. This powerplant is designed to run on 92-octane pump gas and to perform like a turbine-powered aircraft at less than half the hourly cost of a turbine.

The knowledge gathered during these programs, together with general design considerations which apply to any aircraft engine conversion program, are presented in the following sub-sections.

Table of Contents

 1. Introduction and Background

ABSTRACT:
This document introduces the concepts and issues which must be considered when planning to convert an aircraft from an existing engine to a different one, and when planning the selection of an engine for an experimental aircraft under construction.

 2. Engine Conversions on Certified Aircraft

ABSTRACT:
This document addresses the issues surrounding the frequent inquires we get like this: "Can you help me to put a V8 in my Bonanza / 210 / 421 / whatever ?"    If you are so inclined, please read here and consider the realities.

 3. The Primary Consideration in a Conversion

ABSTRACT:
This document explains the most-frequently misunderstood criterion to be considered when planning or considering an engine conversion.

 4. Extended Discussion of the Effects of Powerplant Weight

ABSTRACT:
This document presents a few more harsh realities to be considered regarding aircraft engine conversions, with a handy comparison table at the end.

 5. Other Important Criteria

ABSTRACT:
This document presents the other important considerations involved in an engine conversion, including CG considerations, engine mount structure, cooling capacity, turbochargers, etc.

 6. Engine Mount Structure Design

ABSTRACT:
This document presents EPI's methodology and standards for designing and producing an engine mount structure.

 7. Whirl Mode Issues

ABSTRACT:
This document explains an issue in engine mounting design which is often-ignored but extremely important to your health: WHIRL MODE.

 8. The 21st Century Cropduster

ABSTRACT:
This document describes the replacement of an aging R-1340 on an Air Tractor-301 with a modern, efficient engine package.

 9. Orenda V8 onto an Air Tractor 401

ABSTRACT:
This document describes the replacement of an aging R1340 on an Air Tractor-401 with a heavy, expensive engine package.

10. Orenda V8 Engines on an Aero-Commander 685

ABSTRACT:
This document describes an engine conversion which produced a high-performance but unfortunately full-fuel, zero-person aircraft.