Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Does anyone know of a ring mounted install 912/914 onto a model IV??

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Merrill, WI
    Posts
    3,044

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    It's a project I've wanted to do on the Mangy. It was part of my original build plan.

    It will push the engine forward at least 3-4". This can be a problem for many model IVs which are already nose heavy...
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Chisholm Mn
    Posts
    1,562

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    On my never finished Kitfox 4, when I was looking for a 912 motor mount, a guy had a Kitfox 5 mount with the ring mount. He got the mount remodeled to fit a Kitfox 4 firewall, so I have a Kitfox 4 with a ring mount, but it didn't start out that way. The engine does sit probably 4" further forward of the regular Kitfox 4 912 mount. We did add the two inner tubes at the top of the mount for more support. JImChuk
    Attached Images Attached Images

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Quote Originally Posted by Av8r3400 View Post
    It's a project I've wanted to do on the Mangy. It was part of my original build plan.

    It will push the engine forward at least 3-4". This can be a problem for many model IVs which are already nose heavy...

    This is not so much of a problem as you may think, I have a buddy not far from me that has a model IV with the 914 on his. He put his battery below his horizontal stab and also put the bigger elevator on his so i know 1st hand this is can be done. I'm just going to start a model Iv build and would like to do the edge-performance 912 or 914 but of course i need a ring mount. Probably will have to make one up myself judging by the replies on the forum that there is know info out there on the ring mount.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Quote Originally Posted by avidflyer View Post
    On my never finished Kitfox 4, when I was looking for a 912 motor mount, a guy had a Kitfox 5 mount with the ring mount. He got the mount remodeled to fit a Kitfox 4 firewall, so I have a Kitfox 4 with a ring mount, but it didn't start out that way. The engine does sit probably 4" further forward of the regular Kitfox 4 912 mount. We did add the two inner tubes at the top of the mount for more support. JImChuk

    I just saw your photos after i sent my 1st reply to you. Do you know how much of an effort it was to remodel the 5 engine mount? Seems like a easier procedure than starting from scratch. I'm assuming you are going to use that mount? Are you putting the 912UL in your kitfox?

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Chisholm Mn
    Posts
    1,562

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    It's been quite a long time ago, but I believe that the center two mounting holes are closer together on the earlier model Kitfoxes then the 5 and later. Maybe someone can measure their model 5 or newer fuselage and provide the bolt pattern for the motor mount. I can do the same for my model 4. When I finished my other Kitfox 4 with 912 a few months ago, I had the 12 lb battery mounted about 2' behind the seat. When I did the weight and balance calculations, I ended up moving it forward to just behind the seat, cause I was starting to exceed the rear of the CG envelope with any weight in the baggage area and at full gross weight. So having the engine 4" forward may not cause to big of a problem CG wise. I do plan on finishing the Kitfox eventually, so I suppose I'll keep the ring mount on it. JImChuk

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    JimChuk,
    I thought I'd ask as I have nothing to loose, with my question with the engine you are going with on your kitfox with the ring mount. If you plan on going with the 912UL then why not go with the standard kitfox IV motor mount? If you are then is there anyway I could persuade you to sell me yours at a premium price?? Robin

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Merrill, WI
    Posts
    3,044

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Quote Originally Posted by Freedom2 View Post
    JimChuk,
    I thought I'd ask as I have nothing to loose, with my question with the engine you are going with on your kitfox with the ring mount. If you plan on going with the 912UL then why not go with the standard kitfox IV motor mount? If you are then is there anyway I could persuade you to sell me yours at a premium price?? Robin
    The main reason to go to the "proper" Rotax ring mount over the OEM mount is to have the carbs oriented properly and have the oil tank at a more correct position relative to the engine case. Additional benefits include the ability to use the Rotax tuned intake plenum or install a 914 or other modern engine.

    Kitfox was one of the first kit manufacturers to offer a 912 engine package and way back then (late 80s) there was little support from Rotax as to mounts and requirements. Kitfox designed their own mount system with the information that was available. It is a decent mount, but far from optimum.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Ok thx for all your info and pics. Every little bit helps. Well at least I now know there are two ring mounts on a model IV out there. I'll keep doing my homework and get this ring mount figured out.
    Robin

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Creston B.C Canada
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Ring mount for 912/914 on Model IV

    Quote Originally Posted by avidflyer View Post
    On my never finished Kitfox 4, when I was looking for a 912 motor mount, a guy had a Kitfox 5 mount with the ring mount. He got the mount remodeled to fit a Kitfox 4 firewall, so I have a Kitfox 4 with a ring mount, but it didn't start out that way. The engine does sit probably 4" further forward of the regular Kitfox 4 912 mount. We did add the two inner tubes at the top of the mount for more support. JImChuk
    Hi Jimchuk, just wondering if you wouldn't mind taking a measurement from your firewall to the prop flange on your 912 with this ring mount? would help me out alot

    thx. Freedom2

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •