Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Larry Hursh on January 31, 2009 at 1:34pm

I personally would rather buy all my component parts from William Wynne at www.flycorvair.com. Both Bill Clapp and Jeff Garrett was "students" at one of William's Corvair Colleges (these are always free to anyone). Most all the components that they are making was designed and flight tested by William originally. As far as the parts that Aeromax has developed, I can't say for sure (and don't care to know either). I for one, would much rather pay someone for their knowledge base and to help them future their research, than to buy something that someone else has copied/duplicated that knowledge and sold at a much cheaper, discounted price. You get what you pay for in the end. That's just my opinion and my two cents worth.

Taiilwinds and blue skies always,
Larry

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Permalink Reply by Tom Lynch on January 31, 2009 at 9:10pm

I don't mean to knock William because I know he puts out some good components, so please don't take this that way. But to say that Aeromax is selling cheap copies, especially when you say "I can"t say for sure" is just wrong. Ford and Chevy both have alternators on thier cars; this dosn't mean that either one copied the other.
Aeromax has taken a different approach to this. Thier components are readily available, which means less down time if something does need replacing. No matter what you fly behind, sooner or later something will need to be replaced.There is much more to it than just that and I suggest that anyone considering a Corvair look into both of them and make an educated decision. You need to feel comfortable with what ever you go with. But you are right, sometimes you do get what you pay for, and other times you just get it in the end.
Happy flying, Tom

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Permalink Reply by Jon Burns on February 3, 2009 at 6:07pm

I hope this site does not become polarized by one person vs the world sentiments of some other sites.

The poster did not ask for dissension, he was stating that he had a favorable experience with AreoMax and invited everyone to take a look.

Everyone should make their OWN decision on their engine choice. They should also research the company they are going to purchase it from. Ask tough questions of the vendors. Find out how you can support the engine if the company is unable to support you. What if fancy gizmo x breaks? Will you have to convert to the nouveau conversion of the day, or can you make a trip to Autozone?

What you do is up to you, but we all need to gather facts and have first hand knowledge before making blanket statements. I am reminded of a famous quote about "opinions and elbows," but with another word in place of elbows.

Blind faith (religion) and Politics are the biggest reasons that people do not participate in discussion groups.

For the record... I have purchased products from TCA, including all the videos, manuals, oil pan, pickup, motor mount, etc... I chose to have AeroMax assemble my engine using some of those parts and many of their own.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Hursh on February 3, 2009 at 8:01pm

To each his own Jon. I just hope you never have one of your "fancy gizmos" break and you are resolved to the fact that you will have to resort to the "nouveau conversion" you speak of. If I was a betting man (which I am), I would put my money on TCA. He's been there from the beginning and holds a plethora of experience. I don't think he's going to be quitting the business anytime soon. Question is, how good is your guarantee and will your builder(s) be there in the future if you need them? As I said before, to each his own. You've made up your mind - I've made up mine. There are no real answers here - only opinions. No harm, no foul.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Burns on February 4, 2009 at 12:13am

Larry,

Did you actually read my post?

You seem very confused by what I said, and actually reinforced the point I was making. My choice was to keep things simple and not have to rely on custom fabricated parts. There are no great guarantees on anyone's conversion engine, but I am sure your research told you that.

Thank you!


Tom, I apologize for hijacking your thread.

Jon Burns

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Permalink Reply by Larry Hursh on February 4, 2009 at 7:57am

Jon,

I did NOT get anything you said "confused". I am actually agreeing with you. Yes, I did my research and I have talked to others that have had both good and bad results from various suppliers. The only point I am trying to make is if you can't or don't want to fabricate your own parts, you need to realize that you and only you are the final person that has to live (or God forbid) die by those choices that you make. We all tend to get caught up in the moment about any given circumstance (be it either products, labor, etc), hearing only good things and very rarely ever discussing the "worst case scenerio" (myself included). If we don't question this also, we are fooling only ourselves, and this could potentially end with a very disastrous outcome. Tom said it all in his final comment and I quote, "You need to feel comfortable with what ever you go with".


Fly safe always.

Tailwinds,

Larry

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Garrett on November 22, 2009 at 12:33am

Larry

Since I have no idea who you are and how you throw my name into a discussion that had nothing to do with me is beyond me but, I would like to have you look at my engine and please tell me what you think is a copy?
I have all but given up replying on these public forums because frankly it is a waste of time. most of the time it is between those that like William and those that don't and those that get tired of the bickering.
So in closing I will just post a pic of my engine and my parts I developed and flight tested and say goodnight.

Regards,
Jeff Garrett

Attachments:

• 100_4090.JPG, 531 KB
• 001_025.jpg, 103 KB
• 100_3359.JPG, 1.3 MB

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Permalink Reply by John E.Worsdale IV. on February 1, 2009 at 7:14am

Looks like a nice job on your 601, Tom. Are you building a HD or HDS? I do happen to agree with the fact that you need to evaluate and make an educated decision. Right now I am in my learning phase doing suggested reading by William Wynne. I believe that the aircraft designer has made allowances for a wide variety of engines. If you stay within the W&B specifications you could use most any engine. Everyone has their own budget and I would not knock anyone who has the spirit to try and achieve their dreams however they can. I do also feel that learning from those who have gone before carries many benefits, though. Right now I really can't say an awful lot about about my own opinions because I am just forming them. After ordering and reading William's Conversion manual, I had my eyes and mind opened further than myself on my own. I may just take the time and effort to attend College again. JW

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Permalink Reply by Tom Lynch on February 4, 2009 at 5:07pm

John,
I'm sorry it took so long to get back, but anyway it's an HDS.
Tom

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Permalink Reply by Larry Winger on February 6, 2009 at 4:15pm

I'm glad that several of you have had positive experiences with Bill Clapp. In the spirit of giving other builders fair warning, I can say that my experience was not good.

Before Aeromax, Bill was doing conversion prep and engine assembly on his own. I contracted with him for a completed engine. Due to many growing concerns that I had about his business practices, I arranged to get the engine parts delivered directly to William Wynne for final assembly. William sent my heads, which had been done by Bill Clapp's own hands, to Mark Petniunas of Falcon Machine for rework due to shoddy workmanship. I met Mark at Corvair College 13 in Livermore, CA and he said the heads were junk. Normally he charges around $1,000 to rework Corvair heads, but had to charge me extra to fix the work done by Bill. This included rewelding the intake manifolds that "leaked like a sieve."

Whether the name on the invoice is "Bill Clapp" or "Aeromax," just be sure that you are getting the quality of workmanship that is truly airworthy--not just to the untrained eye (like mine), but to people who know and have a long-term commitment to your safety.

For those who doubt that this applies to the current situation, Bill Clapp handed over this seriously defective part on March 16, 2008.

Larry Winger
601XL/650 with Corvair
Tustin, CA

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Webb on February 22, 2009 at 6:53pm

I too am considering a Corvair. Just sent a order for a manual to WW. The Corvair Authority website is full of amazing R&D info. The more I read, the more I like the engine. I spoke with Falcon insurance and they have one underwriter (AIG) who will insure the engine especially if WW builds it. I'm still not sure the insurability if you build it yourself however.

I'm curious what kind of speed people are seeing and with what prop and at what RPM with the Corvair 100 &120 HP. I would like to at least see 120 Kts cruise with my XL.

Thanks in advance for your replies,

Jeff Webb

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Permalink Reply by Tom Lynch on February 23, 2009 at 11:56am

Jeff,
Charlie Denny from Sensenich recommended using a W64ZKL-39S or 41S pitch. He didn't state a speed that I remember and I am building an HDS not an XL. Keep in mind too that the prop will be about 6 weeks out when you order it.
Tom

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