The Corvair is much heavier by far because of the weight of the money left in your wallet. The cost of a Jab is around 14,000 - 16,000 and very little in the way of installation support from what Ive heard. I have around 2500 now tied up in my Corvair - but that is low in comparisson to the average builder. I would figure the average Corvair builder would have about 6000-9000 Firewall forward (mount-starter-engine-prop-cowl-spinner-electrical) in their KR and William Wynne provides almost all KR conversion parts and I have flwn behind them. The one KR JAB that I know of flies well (though still slower than mine but probably due to higher drag and larger pilot) but he did say if he had to do it again that he would probably go with the JAB. The Corvair has had a couple minor problems but we talk about them openly and have a great man and shop with William Wynne to work these out and he has his doors open to people whereas JAB probably doesnt. If I were going to spend 16000 dollars on an engine I would either buy a new O200 or 4 Corvairs.....weight is not a big issue - they all are similar. In regards to safety I know more about the o200 record and the Corvair than I do about the JAB. The Corvair I have now problem working on myself - very simple straight forward engine that any mechanic can work on without high tech tools or having to always depend on high priced parts from and overseas company and information that is not as readily available. Now dont take me wrong - the JAB may be a very good engine - flown within factory limits - the "fun" with the Corvair is that we can customize and push the limits (keeping safety in mind) and get the most bang for the buck. I have six Corvair engien cores at the shop and one mostly complete spare engine for my KR allready built. There is a new engine in it right now with only 4 hours on it. This one I will modify for turbo....Cost - about 500.00 to turbo it (I was given the turbo as a gift) but I may have to pay for other things such a exhaust work and intake work. I will not be pushing this engine hard. The next engine will have fifth bearing , turbo , constant speed prop, and such. But I can work on this and not be in debt while I still fly. That is the advantage of the Corvair. The other main advantage is the information and skills you learn while building your engine. You gain new friends and an undertanding of engine design and operation that is normally lost to those who purchase a new engine in the box. If all you want to do is bolt on a fly and feel like you never have to look at the engine for 1000 hours or better - than dont fly. All engines require maintenence and are prone to breaking. The O200 has one of the best record but does require maintenance. The choice is yours. Study the individual engines, support networks, maintenance procedures and cost, cost of operation, reliability, and your own goals as far as learning and flying. Then make the best choice.
Bill Clapp and 41768 Valdosta, GA
