#1
Posted: 8/4/2010 06:35:58
I've been looking at building a MiniMax for awhile now. A few years ago I discovered the Davis DA-11, which was powered by a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine. Now, I've found that B&S offers a version of the Vanguard V-Twin in the 33-35 HP range and am wondering if this would work in a MiniMax. I attended a forum at Oshkosh this year by Harrold Little, and my take-away from that was that the firewall will support an engine up to 100 pounds in the MiniMax. Given that the original design was for a Rotax 277 or 28 HP, I am curious to see what others think about the possibility of using this engine. Here is a link to the engine page at B&S commercial power:
http://www.vanguardengines.com/vanguard-engines/detail/index.cfm?range=33-35%20Gross%20HP*&series=Air%20Cooled%20V-Twin%20Big%20Block%20Horizontal%20Shaft
Thoughts, suggestions, etc... Greatly appreciated
Ken
#2
Posted: 8/4/2010 20:00:05
Hi Kenneth,
You can check out the different Mini-Max models at www.jdtmini-max.com. I had a V-Max with a 65 hp 4 cylinder VW engine. That engine weighs over 120 lbs and is direct drive. Valley Engineering (www.culverprop.com) sells a 40 hp V-twin engine with reduction drive of similar weight and performance (swings a bigger, more efficient prop) that I was interested in as a replacement. It has electric start and would have greatly simplified operating the aircraft. Handpropping then climbing in over the midwing was problematic. Eventually sold the V-Max to make room for a 2 seat Challenger, but it was definitely a fun aircraft.
Good luck.
Dick
Dick Anderson
#3
Posted: 8/5/2010 08:37:55
I second that recommendation that you should look at the Mini-Max models set up for the VW engine (shorter nose with firewall) for your B&S or industrial V-twin motor. I should also add that I was in touch with the JDT folks recently and, while it's not immediately apparent from their site, the enclosed Mini-Max and Hi-Max VW-powered models are also still available. So you'd have your choice of three models.
#4
Posted: 8/5/2010 13:25:49
Dick,
Thanks for the info on Valley Engineering (www.culverprops.com) I hadn't seen their engine before. Looks good!
Have a great day! - Ken
#5
Posted: 8/5/2010 13:26:55
Thanks Matthew
Have a great day
Ken