Allen Sutphin

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Everything posted by Allen Sutphin



  1. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Alum plate   

    I've cut a lot of alum with an old band saw I had at one time. Outside cuts aren't really too tough. The inside sump cut out will be a little tricky. Might take a few pots of Maxwell House to do it, though!  I'll start on it after I get the extra lord mounting bushings welded on. I'll end up having 6 rubber mounts on the plate. This week has been a tough week, mowing, equipment breakdowns, and just my tired old butt getting things done. Getting old really does suck! I did get rid of the Challenger airframe this week, though.
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  2. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Alum plate   

    A bandsaw can be worth its weight in gold sometimes. I'll get it cut out, just a time consuming job. I could probably have it done by the time I found a machine shop and take it there. A disadvantage of living in the mountains, do it yourself or it don't get done.
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  3. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Alum plate   

    I'll probably do it myself since no machine shops around here. I normally use the air saw since its light and easy to cut sharper curves. This one will have a center cut out for the oil pick-up,sump.
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  4. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Alum plate
    Got the motor mount plate in today. A 3/8" X10" X 18" 6061-651 was $21 plus $11 shipping. A decent price I think. Now to get it cut to the right size. Maybe find a machine shop to do it.
    • 0 replies
    • 562 views


  5. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Alum plate
    Got the motor mount plate in today. A 3/8" X10" X 18" 6061-651 was $21 plus $11 shipping. A decent price I think. Now to get it cut to the right size. Maybe find a machine shop to do it.
    • 12 replies
    • 1,265 views


  6. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    Did weigh the plane the other day minus engine and prop and it was 370. My old engine mount (overbuilt) that I made was 15 lbs. The current mount is 7 lbs so dropped some weight there quick. Haven't weighed the engine yet, since I have it partially disassembled. Expecting to be close to same weight maybe a few lbs more. CG is going to move forward a tad per the numbers but generally stay in the middle range when loaded. And have 2- 6 gal wing tanks plus 3 gal rear header tank so a nose tank isn't in the picture. Bad as I hate to think about it, shortening the cowling is still a possibility.  Its about 8-9" longer than the standard cowling. even with all the negatives I prefer the engine out from the firewall.
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  7. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    I had the Hirth mounted 4" forward of the position of a Rotax. Only this time I am using the mount I got from TJay instead of making a new mount, only making a new plate this time. CG on the Hirth was a little rearward of center CG so a tad forward shouldn't be a big issue. I can always move the battery to behind the seat instead of under the inst. panel. The battery is usually the last thing to install, depending on where you need the weight after initial CG numbers. BTW, the HKS dealer in the North East is extremely helpful in manuals and parts if needed. I was surprised that he was that cooperative on an engine that was bought used from somebody else, even though he probably sold it originally. If it runs and flys as good as it looks, then I will be pleased. Seems like a well thought out design. I never had a problem with Rotax two strokes but this engine might change my thinking. Time will tell.
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  8. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    CG will change and not for the best, but unavoidable unless I shorten the cowling and I HATE fiberglass work with a passion!  I'll tie cinderblocks to the tail before I'd cut the cowling. I don't care for prop extensions either but better than fiberglass work. If I had to build a cowling, I'd take up rattlesnake wrestling first!
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  9. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    A prop extension is always an option and available. I will go to that once everything is in place and connected. Till then I'll work with moving it forward as much as possible and then use an extension if necessary.
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  10. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Kitfox II   

    HKS Install
    Getting ready to install the HKS in the model 2. Went back to the engine mount I got from TJay and a new plate and it should fit providing I move it forward 4". A lot of componets to shoehorn in around the mount. The long nose cowling I've got is the biggest drawback since it was made to house a Subaru. Want to avoid cutting it down at all cost if possible. Extend the plate, prop spacer, are possible options. Engineering begins!
    • 63 replies
    • 6,713 views


  11. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 rebuild   

    One thing for sure, is as long as there are builders like the ones that are on this site, things will get built, designed, modified and redone till time runs out.
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  12. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 rebuild   

    I can really understand what TJay meant. For once I'd like to go out and buy something that fit without modification. I spend as much time on the little things as much as building the kit.  For some, the building and modifying is their thing, and that's great. No wonder bolt together kits are so expensive anymore.
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  13. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Found Engine   

    I think you're right! A wrong prop/reduction combination can make a great engine a dog as the right combination can make a so so engine do really well. He said it done great in cruise but didn't do well full gross on take off. A 3.47 ratio swinging a 72" 3 blade isn't the best for take off performance, roughly 1750 prop RPM is not the ideal combo for take off performance.
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  14. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Found Engine   

    I may have to change the ratio get a little faster prop speed.  Or go to a different prop. And modify the exhaust to fit. Normal stuff. Its been done before so I know it can be done.
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  15. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Found Engine   

    Well, heard it start easy and run smooth so its in the barn till I get time to go over it. 85 hrs TT and ser# is the 1000 TBO engine. He was running a 3 blade 72" Powerfin prop on it.  A lot of componets to find a place to put them, preferably on the cool side of the firewall. So we start engineering again! Still don't know what the gear ratio is, its not stamped anywhere.
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  16. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Found Engine   

    Heading out tonight on another road trip (thought they were over) to pick up the HKS. He wants me to hear it run before I buy it. Evidently he is impressed with the way it runs and sounds. I am getting too old for this!
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  17. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Jokes   

    Full African Mode
    In deep Africa every morning, a gazelle wakes up knowing he must outrun the fastest lion or he will die. Every morning a lion wakes up knowing he must outrun the slowest gazelle or he will starve. So it doesn't matter if you are a lion or gazelle, when the sun comes up, your butt better be moving!
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    • 1,038 views


  18. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Found Engine
    Well, got smiled upon again! Found an HKS with 80 hrs on it for a good price for the Fox. Hopefully make the trip this Tues to get it. Should be OK for me since I don't wear designer jeans. (you know, the high dollar brand Lardache.) 
    • 7 replies
    • 1,023 views


  19. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Jabiru on barnstormers $2500   

    I understood that the gen 1 engines were decent engines if cooled properly. Its the gen 2 and 3 engines that had issues. But I've been wrong before.
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  20. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New Fox 2   

    Been thinking about shoehorning a 912 in the Fox. Will lose some useful load but unless one is wearing designer jeans, shouldn't be a big issue. Not really crazy about a 912 but they do work.
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  21. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Rotax 582 power loss diagnosis   

    The Facet 40105 is the go to standard for 2 stroke.
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  22. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Cessna 120 down, might have to sell Avid:(   

    AHH! a little bit of wax and polish and you'll never know it. Tough break! Kinda makes you shiver. Glad you're OK.
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  23. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New Fox 2   

    In my experience, its not a true ultralight if it has a 503. Its located SE Va near the NC border. 8 hr drive from me, plus craploads of traffic. Usually a dead giveaway for an ultralight is if it has a 503 it will NOT make Pt 103. Most likely unregistered single place experimental that was flown as an ultralight. Either way a good price. But a paperwork snafu.
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  24. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New Fox 2   

    Sent you a PM.
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  25. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New Fox 2   

    I like the looks of the UL260 and as you said, pricy. Hate to put 20K in a 14K airframe. So far the HKS is looking like the solution. Since speed is not the driving force, 58-60 hp is enough.
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