All, Some food for thought. Powersport has
started replying to e-mail
on another list, and was asked about the Renesis engine. This is what
Tim had
to say. I had thought that the Renesis would have been a great
aircraft
engine, but would have to lean towards more educated opinion. The
questions to
powersport and their replies are copied in full below.
I would appreciate any feedback on what is
said.
Thanks, Greg Fuess
Thanks for the info. Some questions for you:
1.
What is
the status of Powersport? Is it currently shipping FWF
packages
for
RVs? Which model RVs?
Currently
we
have completely developed FWF packages for RV 6-7-8-9 (9 at your own
"not
recommended by Vans" discretion.)
2.
Is the
Renesis engine interchangeable with the old 13B? Obviously
different
exhaust, but are the engine mounts, etc. the same?
Simply
put,
the Renesis is not suited for installation in aircraft. There are many
reasons
for
this.
3.
Is the
Renesis engine better than the old 13B for aviation use? I
understand
it has better economy and sealing due to the new port
arrangement.
Is there anything else we should consider?
No,
the
Renesis is far worse for aviation use. It does not have better economy,
especially
at the RPM range used in an aircraft. It is lower HP! It still needs a
suitable
aircraft
ECU
added. It develops its HP at a higher RPM with will reduce its life
cycle.
The
changes
made were for emissions and low end torque, which are not important
factors
in
aircraft. Mazda still uses P-Port system for their top racing
application.
4.
Is
Powersport planning on switching to a Renesis-based FWF?
No,
see
above.
I
am not
saying the Renesis is not a good engine, it is a great engine... for a
car.
The
HP
ratings are way overstated. Those who have run them on dynos have
reported
outputs
around 180HP.
Thanks,
Tim