Summary EA-81 Experience (Long)
ASL Sinclair
experience with Subaru EA81 aircraft conversions. All in
all, it sounds like a nice way to go. I have edited some of
the responses, but this is what they said. Thanks to all for
the interesting comments.
__________________________________________________________
From: bro...@sunwise.uwaterloo.ca (Robert Broberg)
A friend and I are attempting to build up an EA-81
conversion for our Dragonfly, which is already flying with a
VW. We picked up an engine with about 90k miles along with
a parts engine for $75 Cdn; it was advertised in a local
paper. Before that we bought an '82 Subaru GL (86k miles)
for $200. We pulled the engine out and gave away the rest
of the car to a Subaru junkie, who, by the way, has given us
much information on Subaru's in return. So far, none of the
engines have been rebuilt. Our time has been spent
designing and building the intake and exhaust systems (with
turbocharger), and adding the starter and alternator mounts.
Plans are to use a direct-drive prop hub attachment. The
EA-81 (1800cc) engine can be found in a number of car models
made by Subaru between '81 and '87. There are several
similar engines that were also used in many of these
vehicles, including the 1600cc EA-71(?) engine. Also, in
1985 the overhead-cam EA-82 engine was introduced, but it is
an altogether different engine from the EA-81; it is
somewhat larger and heavier due to the timing belt
assemblies and modified heads, however it is rated for more
power. The actual models that used the EA-81 are listed in
any Subaru repair manual, so try checking at your local
library. Most of these models are designated by a letter
sequence followed by "1800".
Most of the aviation conversions that I know of use
normal carburetion, however, Formula Power markets several
fuel injected versions (single point and port injection).
These injection systems are not stock so the engine type is
likely not a factor. I plan on using either a throttle body
injector or a carburettor.
My partner has spoken several times with a man in Alberta
who is flying with a turbocharged EA-81. He has had much
success and is now receiving requests from other aircraft
builders. I plan to perform significant bench testing
before my engine is installed in an aircraft.
__________________________________________________________
From: bro...@sunwise.uwaterloo.ca (Robert Broberg)
The EA-81 is actually slightly smaller in size than the VW.
The EA-81 width is a couple of inches narrower (smaller
heads), but the height is similar (except for the deeper oil
sump) -- I don't have the exact dimensions currently
available. I have placed the Dragonfly cowling over the
engine while on the test stand and there appears to be
plenty of room; the cowl cheeks could even be cut down
substantially. The only tight areas are at the starter,
which mounts at the front of the cowling, and the oil sump,
which may need to be modified to provide enough clearance.
The engine is going to sit forward in the cowling as far as
possible to provide space for the turbocharger system.
Other than that, I hope to use the same cowling for the
first one hundred hours or so.
I don't have a radiator yet but I am thinking about using
a lightweight VW Rabbit radiator. The radiator can be
smaller than the stock Subaru radiator because of the
improved baffling and increased airflow. The radiator will
be located below the engine at the cowling exit. This is
not ideal because the air will be heated by the engine
before entering the radiator, but I don't want to run long
hoses to a remotely located heat exchanger. This is how
Reginald Clarke in Alberta has installed his radiator and it
seems to work fairly well; he doesn't even have it baffled!
I (wish) the commercial Subaru conversion guys would discuss
radiator size and location - most don't even mention it. I
also plan to install a heater core in the cockpit for cabin
heat on cold winter flights. I sure could use one now!
As for the PSRU, I plan to run direct-drive (like Reg
Clarke) with a cruise rpm at around 3300. The Dragonfly's
short stature limits prop diameter to about 54 inches, so I
will probably need a 3-bladed prop, eg. the Warp Drive
ground-adjustable. The turbocharger will be used to produce
the extra power needed for best climb and high speed cruise.
My only worries about the direct-drive are the wear on the
internal hydrostatic thrust bearing and the gyroscopic
loading on the crankshaft and front main bearing, but hey, I
am already turning a prop on the VW from the accessory side
of the crankshaft. The gyrocopter folks have been running
direct-drive EA-81s for a number of years now.
__________________________________________________________
From: Phillip Kramer x5-2904 <pkr...@ishtar.med.jhu.edu>
My frinds builting a kitfox and we're interested in the EA-
81. We sent to subaru and are getting the general info kit
and the $5.00 info kit. i'll let you know what i find out.
__________________________________________________________
From: chr...@kaiwan.com (Chris Serrano)
I don't know anything about planes or subaru, I just read
this because it is interesting. However, here in
california, a lot of engines are imported from japan with
low miles. Apparently, the laws there result in many low
mileage cars being scrapped. They come in by the container
load. I see subaru ea81 advertised from $325, free delivery
within 25 miles. I just looked in the paper. Only one of
the 6 had a price for that subaru. They claim 30-
40,000miles on the engines is typical. I helped a friend
replace the engine in his honda and he was quite satisfied.
I do not know if any of the local dealers would crate and
ship an engine to you, but you might end up with a better
(lower mileage) engine at lower cost. Some offer
warrantees. If you want to find more information, here are
a few who advertise:
soshin trade corp.
2440 e. firestone bl
south gate, ca
213 563 2018
aas
12636 s. main st.
gardena, ca
213 418 0309
freeway engine sales advertised ea81 from $325
1935 e. 223rd st
long beach, ca
310 835 4844
panasia inc.
2536 n. san gabriel bl.
rosemead, ca
213 620 8533
nic intl. inc.
18225 s. figueroa st.
gardena, ca
310 324 9110
c & t intl inc.
7317 paramount blvd.
pico rivera, ca
310 942 7588
calco intl
720 n. fairview
santa ana, ca
714 972 2800
mapai intl trade co
12415 shoemaker ave
santa fe springs, ca
310 941 3718
h&l japanese engines
15350 minnesota st
paramount,ca
310 633 0927
camco usa
13609 s. normandie
gardena, ca
310 516 8866
__________________________________________________________
From: Dirk BAKKER <bak...@sl1.msm.cern.ch>
I follwed Your formula. ie I got a single carb EA81 from
about the same age and milage. Dismantled it and checked for
wear an clearances . Evry thing was in exeptional
condition!! So revision was only a gasket set and 4 new
exhaust valves (even that was luxery). I equiped the engine
with a AMAX reduction drive and have done about 75 hours
without a single misfire on my autogiro. In general I've
learnd that these engines are very reliable and don't wear.
concerning injection type's : my opinion is more complexity,
more weight also more power but a lot more can go Wrong
(murfy's law) Real experts on Subaru can be found in
Albequerque, RFI. 2916 Tennessee NE, Albequerque,NM 87110
tel 505 298 9362 fax 505 266 1789
__________________________________________________________
From: wj...@lark.muug.mb.ca (Jim Oke)
The current (march 94) Kitplanes has a number of advertisers
in the classifieds who appear to deal in Saburu engines and
reductions. I can recommend Dave Johnson in Dugald,
Manitoba who is a local builder and has several years
experience with Saburus (and other engines).
You can contact him at 204-853-7998. His mailing
adress is:
Reductions
Box 16, Grp. 15, RR1
Dugald, Manitoba
Canada
R0E 0K0
He xcharges US$6.00 for his info pack.
__________________________________________________________
From: Peter ALLAN <pet...@tafe.sa.edu.au>
Tha Gyrocopter flyers here in South australia think that the
Subaru conversion is fantastic. As far as I know they just
put in a new cam and bolt on the AMAX reduction unit and go
flying. ...Contact AMAX in America.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:dwbe...@aol.com
To: pkr...@ishtar.med.jhu.edu
One of the better publications about auto-engine conversion
is "Contact!" published by Mick Myall ... might like to get
in touch with him, I'm sure he has covered the Cam-100 and
he has a Subaru/KIS conversion discussed in the current
issue.
Contact
2900 East Weymouth
Tucson AZ 85716
602-881-2232