Rotax 912 vs Great Plains

[GreyHawk]

Just getting information and past experience with the Great Plains VW engines. Pros and Cons.

[TJay]

Pros with VW, there way way cheaper,

[Av8r3400]

Cons:

No factory supported firewall forward components
Historically poor performance on these planes
Need to turn a small diameter prop or have a heavy redrive
Trial and error on fixed pitch wood propellers, expect to buy several
Constant problems with cooling

By the time you factor in buying several propellers, engine mount custom fabrication and all of the R&D needed to get an unsupported package flying, you will have a comparable amount of money and a lot more time invested as if you would have started with a 912.

If you truly enjoy the experimental part of experimental aviation, which some people really do, I would recommend staying with a proven and supported power package.


A friend of mine recently went through all of this trying to get an AeroVee to work in a Just Escapade. Three years and thousands of dollars wasted he cut his losses and is now happily flying behind a used 912.

[Norm]

A member of our club tried (is trying) a VW conversion in his KitFox It has been 4 years since he started his journey and he probably has less than 10hrs on it due to reliabiity concerns. Just when he thinks he has it worked out something else comes up that he has to fix.
In the meantime I replaced the 582 in my Classic IV and put 60hrs on it in the first 60 days.
If you want to fly get a 912, if you want to tinker (some do) then get an auto conversion.

[SoaringVA]

Norm,

Did you replace it with another 582, or upgrade to a 912? We have a very old NIB 582 that we need to make a decision about. Have a full inspection service done, trade for a new/rebuilt one, or upgrade to a 912.

Chris

[Norm]

Sorry I thought I said I upgraded to the 912. As I reread it I see I did not.

If you can afford the upgrade to a 912 that is a great route to go. I found a older, low priced 912 and that made it an easy choice for me. I would not hesitate to fly a 582 on a KitFox as I have about 600hrs behind a 582 in my old plane. That being said I love the 912 for smooth ride and feel. Sorry if I am no help in giving you a direction to go between the 582 and the 912 but I think that is strictly a matter of finances and affordability.
I am happy I went with the 912.