Today I took another look at the Jabiru 3300, 120 hp engine and really liked what I saw. I was comparing it to the stylish radial engine, the Rotec R-2800. I like the fact that it is only $17,500 new and sold in a town not far from where I live now here in Tennessee. It includes all the accessories including mounting for that price. They also sell the front cowling/nose bowls for the engine (they show an engine mounting process for a on a 701 or 750 on their website: http://www.jabiru.net.au/). Their support seems to be great for novice builders like myself, even giving classes on the engine and installation. I like the fact that it is air cooled, no radiator that carries more coolant weight, and its weight is just 180 lbs. (81 kg.) and incl. Exhaust, Carburetor, Starter Motor, Alternator & Ignition System & Accessory pack. It packs an extra 10 horsepower, lighter, cheaper and doesn’t require special cowl modifications over the Rotec 2800. It would give me better streamlining, as you don’t have to build a special cowl for the engine like the Rotec R-2600 and cost about $5,000 less. It will be easier to find a qualified mechanic to do general maintenance on it and would probably be easier to get TBO for. The only problem I have is the carburetor issue as I believe in fuel injection for reliability, but I believe I can get fuel injection for the Jabiru from Rotec which makes the TBI-40-S fuel injector for only an additional $765.00. For me this device would be worth it in fuel economy savings and dependability. It’s a direct drive engine so it doesn’t need any special gearing down which would save me the extra weight of a PSRU. After I just wrote all its pluses down here, I think the pendulum just swung over to Jabiru from Rotec. I must have a thing for Australian engines.
Jay P.
Hi Guys
I have been in contact with Wayne Johns, the Jabiru fuel injection guru, and requested his permission to post his email address here for anyone who wishes to ask questions. He has just replied saying that this is not problem. Wayne is in very high regard of Rod Stiff, the owner and designer of jabiru aircraft and engines. So anyone wanting info, ask away. waynefixit@activ8.net.au
I know this thread has been quiet for a while, but I'm making the same decision for my 750 and thought I should point out something else people might consider. While I'm sure the Jabiru is a more practical choice being 21kg lighter for starters, the horsepower difference may not be as much of an issue, because the Rotec can swing a larger prop.
The recommended R2800 prop diameter is 76", and the Jabiru site recommends 60" for the 3300. If I plug the horsepower and prop diameters into the formulas from the Evan's Lightplane Designer's Handbook and estimate the 750's drag, the Rotec comes out with more thrust horsepower than the Jabiru at all speeds, especially near the stall (an additional 28%). The formulas also show the Rotec would have a better maximum rate (by ~ 100 fpm) and angle (by ~ 1.4 degrees) of climb.
Mind you, the Rotax 912S has similar prop rpm (and I assume diameter) to the Rotec, so the same formulas would favour the Rotax over the Jabiru. Given that it's also lighter than both the Rotax is probably the most sensible choice (much as it pains me to say it, being Australian and having gone solo / flown many hours behind a Jabiru). Does anyone know of some actual climb figures for 912S and 3300 powered 750s?
All this said I might still get the R2800 - I've never gotten used to the Rotax sound, and on floats it would look like a baby Beaver. Think of it as getting a Rotax and adding a very good 45kg sound system...
Bob Simmons
Feb 23, 2010
Phill Barnes
I have been in contact with Wayne Johns, the Jabiru fuel injection guru, and requested his permission to post his email address here for anyone who wishes to ask questions. He has just replied saying that this is not problem. Wayne is in very high regard of Rod Stiff, the owner and designer of jabiru aircraft and engines. So anyone wanting info, ask away. waynefixit@activ8.net.au
Regards
Phill Barnes
Feb 24, 2010
Robin Hilliard
I know this thread has been quiet for a while, but I'm making the same decision for my 750 and thought I should point out something else people might consider. While I'm sure the Jabiru is a more practical choice being 21kg lighter for starters, the horsepower difference may not be as much of an issue, because the Rotec can swing a larger prop.
The recommended R2800 prop diameter is 76", and the Jabiru site recommends 60" for the 3300. If I plug the horsepower and prop diameters into the formulas from the Evan's Lightplane Designer's Handbook and estimate the 750's drag, the Rotec comes out with more thrust horsepower than the Jabiru at all speeds, especially near the stall (an additional 28%). The formulas also show the Rotec would have a better maximum rate (by ~ 100 fpm) and angle (by ~ 1.4 degrees) of climb.
Mind you, the Rotax 912S has similar prop rpm (and I assume diameter) to the Rotec, so the same formulas would favour the Rotax over the Jabiru. Given that it's also lighter than both the Rotax is probably the most sensible choice (much as it pains me to say it, being Australian and having gone solo / flown many hours behind a Jabiru). Does anyone know of some actual climb figures for 912S and 3300 powered 750s?
All this said I might still get the R2800 - I've never gotten used to the Rotax sound, and on floats it would look like a baby Beaver. Think of it as getting a Rotax and adding a very good 45kg sound system...
Cheers,
Robin
Nov 11, 2012