Jeffs 340 Kitfox

[av8rps]

Looks awesome Jeff. I'm jealous

[jmodguy]

Got my cowl fitted today...!
Looks like I will need a 4" extension. Kitfox is using a 4" on the STi so it makes sense I guess...

[DesertFox4]

Looks very good Jeff. Keep after it. Rocket ship in the making.

[jrevens]

Looks good, Jeff! A 4" prop extension is what I use on the O-320 in my Thorp T-18. Will you be mounting your battery way back in the fuselage? Also, have you got an estimate on completed engine weight? I don't know how accurate this is, but I've read that the typical installed weight of a 912 in a Kitfox, with radiator, fluids, etc. averages 149 lbs. I'm thinking you're going to see at least 60 or 70 lbs. more than that. Does that sound at all accurate?

[jmodguy]

Thanks Steve!
John
The 340 is probably closer to 240 lbs which is typical for these type engines. I built the engine as light as possible. Only accessories on the engine are starter and alternator (both B&C) and 2 coil packs for the electronic ignition. The sump is a Superior cold air unit. Using taper fin cylinders to save weight also. When I pull the engine to paint the airframe I will weigh it.
I'm running dual batteries under the stab. They are lightweight Odyssey batteries at 11lbs ea.
I am also considering vortex generators and wing fences like the STi 340 demonstrator...
All up weight should be in the 900 lb range. Heavier that the 912 but loads more performance!

[airlina]

Hey Jeff, are the new sneakers the Desser 22" smoothies,? they would look good on my Series 5. Bruce N199CL

[jmodguy]

Yes those are Dessers!

[PapuaPilot]

The dry weight on my IO-240 was around 245 lb, so it sounds like you have a very similar situation. I am using a single Odyssey 680 (16 lb) in the tail. I also went light on my engine by using the B&C 30 amp alternator and the engine came with the light weight starter. My Catto prop was 12-13 lbs. I swapped out one magneto for a PMag, but there wasn't any weight savings, other than not needing the Slick Start shower of sparks box.

Have you done the wings with the 1 degree forward sweep? Mine has that and the W&B came out nice.

[PapuaPilot]

Hey Jeff, are the new sneakers the Desser 22" smoothies,? they would look good on my Series 5. Bruce N199CL

What are you waiting for Bruce, the Dessers look really good on my 5.

These are great tires for most normal non paved runways and they only add 3" of height to the front. You do loose a little forward visibility with them.

[jmodguy]

Nice looking 5 Phil!
Yup I swept the wings 1 degree.
I am planning on using the Whirlwind STOL prop. Looks like its around 18 lbs. I also have a little more electronics in front of the panel due to the engine ECU, Volt reg, bus monitor and fuel pumps/regulator etc under the console.