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Thread: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

  1. #1
    Senior Member rv9ralph's Avatar
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    Default Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Today Kitfox Aircraft announced that Rotax has just released their 916iS ... 160HP, 2000 hr TBO.

    Sounds like we have another option. The planform is similar to the 915iS. Same displacement (bore and stroke), same rpm ... so where did they find the additional 20 horses.

    Here are some bullets from the Rotax marketing material.


    Four-stroke piston engine with four liquid and air-cooled cylinders

    Redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition, eco mode

    Turbocharger, stainless steel exhaust

    Dry sump forced lubrication with separate oil tank, automatic adjustment by hydraulic valve tappets

    Engine management system (EMS)

    Electric starter (12 or 24 Volt)

    Propeller speed reduction gearbox

    Intercooler

    TBO 2,000 hrs

    Maximum operating altitude 23,000 feet

    Critical altitude 15,000 feet (maximum continuous power)
    Ralph
    Kitfox 3 flying
    Building Kitfox SS7 (RockFox)
    915iS Engine
    Building Partner Victor V

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Sweet! Guessing more efficient turbo and running higher boost levels!
    Dustin Dickerson

    Building 7ss STI x 2
    Oratex
    29" shock monster
    EP912STI 155hp
    Garmin
    N33TF......FLYING!
    N53TF......FLYING!

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Nice. but at $49,500 a little out of my budget. Was supposed to be shown in a new Carbon Cub at Sun-n-Fun but weather got in the way.

    Rick

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.
    Dustin Dickerson

    Building 7ss STI x 2
    Oratex
    29" shock monster
    EP912STI 155hp
    Garmin
    N33TF......FLYING!
    N53TF......FLYING!

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Does the 915 have an intercooler? If not I suspect that is where most of the modest bump in power is coming from. More ducting and scoops but intercoolers are, uh, cool.
    Kitfox 5 (under construction)
    Commercial SE/ME, CFII

  6. #6
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Yes, the 915iS has an intercooler. As someone else said, the 916 probably has a more efficient/better intercooler and is running higher turbo boost pressures.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Wink Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowrider View Post
    I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.
    Wasn't there some announcements on April first last year about a 6 cylinder Rotax coming out? Maybe more info will come out in a couple of days about that one. JImChuk

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Just don't let Brandon drive the forklift.
    Kitfox 5 (under construction)
    Commercial SE/ME, CFII

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowrider View Post
    I wish rotax would build a bigger displacement and enter the 200-300 hp range market.
    Edge Performance makes their EP917Ti, which is an improved 915 that is currently making 180+ hp for the same money and less weight compared to a 916 from Rotax, all with a full warranty.

    Bad Ass Paoersports
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
    912UL 105hp Zipper
    YouTube Videos

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Rotax 916iS ... Not that is not a typo

    I’m definitely a new fan of the 916is. Almost $50,000 for a turbo 4 cylinder makes me wonder why Ferrari isn’t building kit plane engines. There are 2 new boxes it checks for me. The approved fuels and the 2000 hour TBO. I’m not sure how they got the 2000 hour TBO with a hot engine that spins so fast but it would give me peace of mind nonetheless. Does anyone think that the 915is will drop in price? I’ve got a few years to make a decision but I sure like the options. I’m going to need a raise at work.

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