Re: the alternator, what about the 35amp Honda Alternator mounted on the
rear of the engine by Jim Nelson (as mentioned in the July 2000 US office
newsletter supplement)? Is that the same one that is on Steve D's great
website http://homepage.mac.com/sdunsmuir/Sun-N-Fun/Sun-N-Fun.html ?
I'd imagine that direct-drive off the crank would likely spin it into the
useful current range. Sounds like a great idea, as long as the coupling
damps out the crank harmonics to avoid inducing any weird crank failure
modes.
Has anyone heard how Jim's installation is working out? Does anyone know of
any others who rear-mounted an alternator?
I would think that rear-mounting would solve much of the cowling issues, as
well as improve the CG.... no?
Cheers,
Pete
A239
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Cowl Mods
As noted by several on this site there are some concerns and possibly
desired
mods to the XS cowl. Personally we're looking at fitting the 40 A Rotax
alternator to a 914, needing space for a landing light, the on ground
cooling
capability, space and airflow for intercooler and improved aerodynamics (go
faster!). Bruce & Suzy have also expressed these concerns. We would be
willing to partner with other Europa owners / builders to investigate
improvements to the cowl. My idea is to inquire of LoPreste to initially
look at the Europa and see if he thinks these objectives can be achieved.
If
so the next step would be to find out how much $$ he would charge. If we
spread the cost over several of us, it may be manageable. Any body else
interested of have ideas? Bruce & Suzy have volunteered to take their 914
to
LoPreste as the evaluation aircraft.
Jim & Heather A185
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