Message-ID: <381AFBB5.D72FB3FB@regandesigns.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Oct 1999 07:07:49 -0700
From: Brent Regan <brent@regandesigns.com>
To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Re: LPE ZEHRBACH ENGINES
Mime-Version: 1.0

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
Hello Mr. Zehrbach:

Thank you for your clarification on the speed issue. I am skeptical (it is
my
nature) of your improvements in BSFC. I would very much like to see some
data
from an independent calibrated dynamometer to substantiate your assertion.
Anecdotal testimonials carry little weight with me. If they did, I would be
driving a car that burned "magnetized water" to the vertiport where I would
fly
my Moller Skycar.

Regarding ceramic coatings, your latter assumption is correct. The work I
did in
the field dated to c.1982. At that time we were pioneers. No doubt there
have
been improvements in methods and technology since then. At that time we were

using a plasma coating process with a zirconia alloyed material. I would
think
that the application of the ceramic material would be process sensitive and
would
run counter to the ability of applying the coating at will with minimal
testing
and tooling.

On the question of friction reduction, you correctly state that the bulk of
engine friction is ring drag and that the Ferrari dyno test were with coated

pistons. I do not see how coating the pistons reduces ring friction, skirt
friction perhaps.

You make some remarkable claims. They must be substantiated by solid data
(repeatable and independently confirmed) if they are to be taken seriously.

I would review with interest any information you care to share. Contact
information is available at my web site www.regandesigns.com.

Regards
Brent Regan

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>