KRnetters, I am building a KR-2, converted to tri-gear from retract conventional gear. Dan Diehl gear legs are installed. It is time for an engine. My first choice was a 75 hp 2180 vw direct drive with electronic ignition from Steve Bennett. Full-up price ready to bolt on, including freight and wood prop is about $7,000. Then I came across www.vw-engines.com that were offering three sizes of vw with fuel injection. What looked about right for my KR-2 was a 2000 cc 100+ hp model RG 2000 with a geared redrive, fuel injection and electronic ignition. This engine is based on a type 4 Porsche engine. The weight with all accessories less a wood prop is 221 lbs. To effectively use this 100+ hp I will need a 58 inch diameter by 60 inch pitch prop. That means I need to raise the standing height another 3 inches for proper ground clearance. That means I need to replace the Diehl gear with longer gear from www.vw-engines.com . Also I must use a new bed-mount for the new nose gear and redrive engine, rebuild the fuel system to accommodate low pressure and high pressure fuel pumps, an anti-surge tank, tank selector to route return fuel to the wing tank being used, and possibly another fuel gauge for the anti-surge tank. The cowl will require several bumps for the fuel rails. The price quote from Australia is $13,980 US plus freight and customs to add about $700. Another $2,000 is estimated to do the airframe mods.
My first question: Is an extra 25 hp worth an extra $9,000? Second: Is an estimated extra 91 pounds empty weight on a KR-2 realistic? About 90 percent of this will be forward of the main spar and ahead of the firewall. Third: How will the taller gear effect ground handling and flight characteristics? I would appreciate your help on this engine choice matter. Regards, Sid Wood, KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD sidney.w...@titan.com
