hi Randall

sorry don't know what mods you have done so can't say if i have done any different ones.

thanks

Joe

Hi Wade, Thank for the mail. I don't know if you remember me or not. Me and my Girlfirend stopped by on our motorcycle and looked over your plane last Summer. You met us at the airport.

The nose rib I am using is 373mm from the face of the spar to the leading edge. There are a few guy who have gotten together to make this rib. I am the first one to make one from the pattern and the others will be making theirs soon. I have also extended my wing 385 mm and added another rib.I'm building a Corvair 2850cc for mine.

Good to see you are still flying the 701. As soon as I get mine done I will be up to see you.

Vance

Give me a call if you have any other questions. (509) 599-9477

Hi Wade Grandpre,

I have enjoyed your photos. Thanks.

Below are photos from my roof mod. Note that I have overdone with bracing the curved up roof. An X, or even a slant from forward left to rear right should be enough. I see that you don't really need the added head room, but sooner or later you are sure to miss building and want an improved flight performance. More info " Added Head Room" at the Blog Post.

Champ

Thanks Randall,

What is the field elevation from which you based your rate of climb?

I've done some work to my VW over the past couple of years. It has an 86mm stroke using Chevy rods and 94mm bore (2387cc). With my prop set to 13 degrees, I'm getting about the same prop rpm that you are. My prop cruise rpm figures close to yours 4600/2.33 ~= to my 3200/1.6.

I really like the Viking engine but am concerned about the weight. I have a nose wheel weight of 187 lbs and my CG is about 16.5-17 inches. My empty weight is 657. What is your empty weight and nose wheel weight?

The thing that interests me about the Viking engine is the reliability. I don't fly my 701 very far because I'm always having to fix something it seems. I don't trust the belt drive as much as I'd like. It's very hot here in AZ at times and my plane seems to fly nose high when the air temp is 85 or higher.

I want an engine that compares or beats the Rotax in performance and maintenance simplicity (and of course cost).

I already have a Warp Drive prop with the Rotax bolt pattern. Is that what the Viking uses? One other plus is that my prop rotates the same direction as the Viking. That'll save me over a thousand dollars.

Before I commit, I need to see one in person and if at all possible fly in a 701 that has the Viking installation.

I'll try not to bother you too much - I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can to make a good decision.

Thanks,

Tim

I'm considering the Viking engine for my 701. I currently have a VW with redrive. I'd like to talk to you about weight & balance, flying characteristics, prop pitch, cruise speed, etc.

Would you share some performance numbers and your overall opinion of the Viking engine for the 701?

Thanks,

Tim

Thanks for advice Randall.