Revised sources, listed by Group numbers, Aug. ’15

This is part one in the ‘new sources’ series.

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Builders,

One of the most common question builders ask is for a clarification of where to get each of the Groups outlined in the Conversion manual. ( Brand New 250 page 2014 Manual- Done ) The Chapters in the manual are organized in “Groups.”

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Each group is a logically collected set of parts that can be discussed as a single chapter. The groups are also organized so that a builder can order everything in a group from a single supplier, greatly simplifying collecting all the parts for a build.

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Above, Front quarter view of a modern 2,850 cc Corvair. This engine was built and run at our shop about a month ago. The new sources reflected in this series allow builders a much easier path to building their own engine, they are the exact ones I used to build the above engine.

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Groups 1000 through 3300, are the parts needed to get an engine running. (read more:   Running an Engine at a College, required items. #1  and Running an Engine at a College, required items. #2 ). Groups 3400 through 4600 are associated with airframe installation. For this discussion I would like to stay focused on where the parts come from for each group in getting your engine running.

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While the conversion manual discusses in detail possible sourcing options, I am going to focus here on what 90-95% of builders are choosing today, the people making progress and getting engines going. Although plenty of engines have gone from greasy core to running engine in 30 days, the norm for many builders is to integrate their engine build with their airframe build, and work on both at the same time. Most of these builders spread the engine over 6 to 9 months, often attending two colleges. To get to the finish line, two things have to happen: You have to start, and you have to work with people who are serious about supporting your learning and progress.

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Keeping the above paragraph in mind, we will see that some of the sources from years past are no longer my primary choice, we have better ones today. Some of the old sources are upset about this,  but my allegiance is to builders, not ‘friends’ who were once an option for builders. In the 26 years I have been doing this, sources have changed over time, but my allegiance to builders has never wavered.

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We will Cover this group by group over this weekend. Get your manuals and check lists out, particularly if you are heading to a College. Using the best, most reliable sources is the path of progress at Colleges and on your project.

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-ww.