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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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Greetings Everyone,
My name is David Wilks and I am planning to build a Lancair IV powered by one of our Dodge Viper V10 engines. Currently we are building these with 540 cubic inch configurations and making 755 horsepower. Sounds pretty sick eh? Well, the reason I am writing and subscribing to the list is I want to know everything there is to know about these aircraft. I have built a 360MKII and loved every minute of it. It was the second fastest machine I have ever flown, the P51D is what bit me pretty hard and the reason for the IV. Of course my Fiance' TOLD me I had to have more than two seats, so there went the turbine Legend idea. All facts being what they are, the IV should be faster.
So, I am here and I have a contribution to the list other than sucking up the info for free. I build racing engines and cars to go the distance. Want more info check out my website: <A HREF="http://www.danddmotorsports.com">D&D Motorsports</A> and see what I get to play with. One of the largest breakthroughs we have seen on engines and transmissions is the use of Ceramic Coatings. Now, I am not talking about those fancy baked on JetHot junk. Truly, anyone who has used that stuff has seen it flake off in time or turn green.
The coating we use are ones developed for use on the NASA Space Program. Hence, I am in Houston. We use a ceramic for the headers that allows an internal temp of 650-800 degrees while the Viper is idling and I can touch the pipe on the outside!! Now, imagine what your ambient temp is under your cowling at 75% plus power or when taxiing on the ground. Imagine the longevity of the components under the cowl from such a heat drop. Now for the other good part. This stuff cannot flake off like other painted coatings. This stuff is etched into the steel and actually will prevent welding to it. The added heat retention inside the pipes will also create a scavenge effect. Hotter exhaust gases move faster creating more power using less fuel. Does that sound like a tradeoff or bonus? Lets not how much better it all looks. So, that is the coating for the exhaust. I also use a thermal barrier coating for the intake system, throttle bodies, and other parts. Here is something that will floor you. The intake coating fills any porosity in the aluminum. It is so slippery, that ICE CANNOT FORM. So, be gone one of the biggest problems. The ice has nothing it can stick to, thus the cold moist air is just induced into the engine, thus power and efficiency.
Well, I think I have said enough. There are tons of other things, but I will be happy to answer any questions.
David Wilks
Owner, D&D Motorsports.
LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
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