Engine Purchase
Well I did it. I purchased the LS1 crate engine last Monday. I purchased a FAST intake and Nick Williams 92mm throttle body as well and had them shipped to Michigan where I am going to go in a couple days to pick it up. I saved a bundle by purchasing it in the states even though I have a GM discount. I got it for $900 less there. Amazing!!
Here at home I have started constructing an engine test cell. I am doing this because I have a couple of things I want hashed out before I install the engine in my airframe.
The ignition is the primary reason that I want to put some time on the engine in a test cell. We are planning to develope a dual ECM set-up and I want to get some hours on the system before installation in the airframe.
The cooling system is the second reason. I am going to go with a dual electric water pump set-up that will require some engine test time to determine whether a thermostat is required. As well, we need to determine how effective the electric fan will be on the cooling when the engine is operating at various loads and speeds.
All of this is better tested on the ground under controlled conditions rather than in the air. I am determined to improve upon the set-up that Bud Warren is using at Geared Drives. I have decided not to go with the OEM computer, water pump and Bud’s cooling system. All of this will require some validation and I am going to do this the right way.
Dave