Jabiru or VW?

[richard]

Can anyone advise me on the pros and cons of the Jabiru or VW engine, I like the idea if be able to start the thing in flight and having more power. However the VW has bags of spares etc and is as cheap as chips to buy and run. I think the Jabiru makes the Nipper a more pretty aircraft, but is it worth all the expense? Many thanks Richard

[Pat Blenkinsopp]

Richard,

Short answer is YES. If you can afford it the Jabiru option is a marriage made in heaven. My jab powered Nipper climbs at 1060 fpm at sea level and during a rcent full air test was still going up at 890 fpm at 8000 ft !.
The real bonus is, as you said being able to start her up mid flight (somthing I have had to do twice during aeros!!)
Smooth, quiet and my fuel burn works out at 12 l/hr for 2700 rpm which gives me 87 kt.

Let me know if you want any details of the installation etc.

I picked up my "new" engine from Roger at ST for £3500. It is a fairly old one S/n 157 but had been zero timed and hos only 62 hrs SMOH. It perfomed beautifully on test.

All the best.

Pat ASXI

[richard]

Pat,
Many thanks, Could I phone you sometime and talk about it. I have spoken to ST. My e mail if you dont want to put your number in the forum is richard@cameramanscotland.com
Very many thanks Richard