Measure for exhaust, attach right aileron | 12.9.2020

Now that we had the engine more permanently mounted, it was time to attach the cowls and measure for the exhaust so that we can get that ordered from Velocity. We're planning on going with four independent exhaust pipes out the bottom cowl. Velocity is now recommending this approach on at least the SEs after having success with it in their V-Twin. It's much simpler than a two-into-one setup where two cylinders meet in one exhaust pipe, and thus cheaper, in addition to lighter (less pipe total). It will also likely be hilariously loud, since the exhaust is basically going to be 6-12 inch pipes straight from the exhaust flange out the bottom cowl (at a 45 degree angle).

I considered an exhaust exiting out the back of the cowl, but since we have a three blade prop rather than two, the exhaust can't be timed to miss the prop. I didn't feel great about blasting 1000 degree air directly onto the wood/composite prop blades really close to the hub.

While we had the cowls on, we also marked for where the oil dipstick access door should be.

The circle is roughly where the stick contacts if pulled straight out. The door will go in this general area.

Top cowl comes really close to the plenum on the left, but doesn't *quite* touch it, which is good.

Emily and I then mounted the right aileron to the wing, since the screws had arrived. First, we had to remove probably 10 year old painter's tape which was *really* stuck onto the hinges. I was scraping this by hand when Emily came up with the great idea to use a blow dryer to heat up the old adhesive. This worked much better and made this go way faster. Just enough heat to soften the old adhesive and off it came. We just did both ailerons while we were doing it.


Look at that smug face from figuring out better way to do it than me.

 

And here's the mounted aileron

That's it for today!
- Jeff

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