SonexBuilders.net

I was browsing the EAA's website yesterady and ran across this article about a new engine coming to market. I thought I'd pass the link along in case anyone was interested. I'm a long way off from needing my engine and haven't made up my mind yet, but I like to keep up with industry changes. I'm not really sure of the benefits of this engine at the 80 hp range, considering the price and other factors, but it's neat to look at! Many of you may have seen it at Oshkosh this year.

http://www.eaa.org/news/2012/2012-11-21 ... engine.asp

Regards,
Eric

New engines are always neat to look at but the first question that always comes to my mind is "if the company goes out of business 5 years after I buy the engine, where will any maintenance and overhaul parts come from". That is kind of what I like about the aerovee. I can walk down to any autozone or napa and get most of the parts needed to keep my engine running. What they don't have, there are a number of other companies online that carry it. If sonex ever goes out of business (hopefully they never do) I won't be left with a very expensive paperweight hanging off the front of my plane when it comes time to overhaul it.

Keith

I completely agree Keith. From what I have heard, this engine is used in various motorcycles but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can easily find affordable replacement parts. Also, this engine goes against Sonex's design philosophy of keeping it simple. It's got a 2.95:1 reduction drive and liquid cooling system to maintain. I do like the simplicity of the Jabiru and Aerovee.

Eric

I have long wondered why motorcycle engines have never really taken hold in the aviation world.
I like this design but it looks like significant modifications to the airbox would be necessary to get it to fit the Sonex. Could be a good fit on a Onex. Unless you could reroute it away from the fuel filler tray, it will push the engine forward like the Viking. But unlike the Viking, they claim it will run without electrical power. Not sure how that works when you have electronic fuel injection and ignition.

Looks like a very similar project to this one which was posted on the forum a little while ago:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=298