Microlighters

Does anyone know, or know anything about Corvair engines for ultralights? I'm looking at buying an ultralight powered by a 100hp Corvair engine. Are there agents for them in SA?

I don't think there are any local agents. Although by definition, you cannot have an ultralight, or microlight powered by a Corvair, as it would never make the weight limits for either of these categories. They are only used in LSA and experimental aircraft.

The plane in question is a Zenair Zodiak. It is one of the recommended powerplants for this plane on the website.

Trytofly wrote:The plane in question is a Zenair Zodiak. It is one of the recommended powerplants for this plane on the website.

That is LSA category, so it should be fine.

I seem to remember 'Willie' on Avcom looking into becoming a Corvair agent. Aside from that, I don't know of any others in SA.

Thanks. Will look him up on Avcom. Would appreciate any other info from anyone else about these engines.

For the money you going to spend here I would take 10 deep breaths and keep looking, Corvair engine might be a great engine to use if you in the USA, motor is a complicated conversion,in Africa I think you heading for trouble.
Zenith product is a great option but you would be far better looking for the Zenith/Rotax combination. I suggest you join the Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers site and advertise there you looking for a Zodiak/Rotax combo, you can also get hold of Phil at Bundu Aviation. He is the southern african agent for Zenith in Pretoria.

Z-MRP wrote:For the money you going to spend here I would take 10 deep breaths and keep looking, Corvair engine might be a great engine to use if you in the USA, motor is a complicated conversion,in Africa I think you heading for trouble.
Zenith product is a great option but you would be far better looking for the Zenith/Rotax combination. I suggest you join the Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers site and advertise there you looking for a Zodiak/Rotax combo, you can also get hold of Phil at Bundu Aviation. He is the southern african agent for Zenith in Pretoria.

Yup. Unless you have your own machine shop, the conversion will cost quite a bit. You should be able to pick up a used O-200 with 1000 odd hours left for cheaper than a converted Corvair from the US. Similar weight, similar power, and you won't be perpetually worried that the crank will break...

Hi,

Google for "Mark Langford KR2" There you'll find everything you need to know on these engines for aircraft use.

Here you go:

http://www.n56ml.com/corvair/

Regards,

Henni

Nice link Hennie.

Hi Freddie,

I used to be very interested in this. However, note all the crank failures. I have over 850 hours behind (no, more like underneath) two stroke engines.

Thus I've made up my mind to stay away from converted auto engines. I'll rather put my trust in the two-strokes for now.

Henni