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1. 10:16 PM - Engine instrumentation (Dave Thompson)
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| Subject: | Engine instrumentation |
While I am waiting for my 601XL kit to arrive I have been playing around
with instrument panel designs. I have done a great deal of research which
has answered most of my questions. I intend to use Autometer Z-series for
engine instrumentation. They are good quality, relatively inexpensive and
they have all the mechanical instruments that I want. (Ironic that I intend
to use auto gauges for a Converted Corvair engine). I am old fashioned. I
like the idea of mechanical gauges that are not reliant on an electrical
system. I have discovered that the car guys call several instruments
differently than the aircraft guys. One example, we call it an EGT where
they call it a pyrometer.
I intend to have:
Tachometer
Oil Temp
Oil Pressure
EGT with Left / Right switch for the two hottest cylinders
Volts
Alternator Idiot light
Hourmeter
My question to you guys is:
What is the indication on a manifold pressure gauge? Should I be looking for
a vacuum, boost or boost/vacuum gauge? As of today, there is not a viable in
flight adjustable prop available for the Corvair. Do I really need a
manifold pressure if I have a fixed pitch prop? I know about William Wynne
doing work on a fifth bearing for heaver props. When he gets it working and
available I may want to later upgrade to a constant speed prop. Should I
plan my panel for a manifold pressure gauge anyway? I have heard that it can
be used with an EGT to help lean the engine on cruse. Is that true? I plan
to build basic, to the plans and get in the air. However I will also plan
for later expansion/upgrades. There will most likely be several blanked out
instrument & avionics holes in my panel when I first fly. My intentions are
for day VFR but I will have lights anyway.
To qualify (or disqualify) my question, I am about 25 years out of currency
with 127 hours in Cessna 150, 152 and 172s. None of them had a manifold
pressure gauge so I never learned anything about them. When I get within a
year or so of finishing, I plan to get current again renting a 601XL from
the local FBO. There are two 601s within 50 miles today. I will bet there
will be more by the time I am ready.
Dave Thompson
dave.thompson@verizon.net
Partially built Corvair, 601XL on order
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