HKS engine.

[Boet]

A while back there was this story about souping the HKS engine up. We are waiting for some news.

[Boet]

I can hardly belief that no-one has anything to say about this engine??

[Cloud Warrior]

Mandatory Service Bulletin - HKS 700E
Low compression cause by excessive exhaust valve wear

Airworthiness Notice – HKS 700E
Carburettor Insulator rubber cracking

Dated 29th February 2008

[Boet]

Mmmmm. Do not rush in with your chequebook all aflutter yet, they are still doing their homework........

[alanmack]

Zulu1 has done a huge about of work on an HKS. His trike is currently in Jhb having a few mods done that have taken the HP to about 84. I've asked him to post his story.

[Boet]

Thanks Alan, please do!

[ZULU1]

Boet

I had a call from Alan, sorry havent had a chance to reply as we have to work.

Anyway, after much aggro with my old 582, threw in the towel and whatever; nothing could be worse than the money I threw down a two strokes throat.

I did mega homework and couldnt afford the 912, so as everyone is doing now had to come up with something.

The first HKS motors were a total disaster, they leaked oil, ran hot and the gearbox assembly was a leak point. So I took a good look at HKS. Their core products are after market gear for the street racers. Mainly the US and Japan. Big operation. So methinks they dont fly around Japan, but they are brilliant engineers. These boys will fix it. Also why are they playing with aviation ?? Must be a greater plot and this is their test project. Thats how the Japs think. So every single first series motor was replaced at no charge. So from engine number 600 they seem fine. Backup is top drawer stuff. Outstanding.

I have done over 300 hrs with mine, terrible performance for 50 hrs and then re pitched the prop perfect. However it was exactly 60 hp and much more torque than a 582. In fix wings in the US they are re pitching to the torque curve and they say its better than a 582 thats replaced.

In a trike I found the NC to work well, however it needs that extra oomph. so looking in to mine. Discovered that the timing is two position, start and run. Now we all know 4 stroke timing and so on. The HKS is deliberately failsafe and simple. But tweaking the timing is really simple and a good exhaust gave immediately more power. But efi is even better but i fear a bit complicated. The first runs with efi and a matched ignition moved the power drastically up and I think about 80 odd hp. This I believe is too much for longevity. I think that 68-70 is quite fine.

So where now, well after the playing (the undercart is in Jhb.) trials done and yes it works well. I think the easiest way and cheapest is a simple new free flow exhaust, ignition system tweak and some carb re jetting. We can have a inexpensive 70hp engine.

The exhaust is critical on this motor and can cause premature exhaust valve wear if not balanced.

Fuel consumption, 6 litres an hour solo, 10 dual. Reliability no longer an issue. And it sounds great.

I see Misasa are punting alternative power, why not join forces with me and then we can get the tooling done much quicker. This comes from my cash flow !!

But yep it works and a solid tested alternative, a fast track way to the crank fix chaps.

I believe Marc is now the agent, why not get him involved, I will come up to Jhb. to finalise the ignition modules which are local anyway.

Let us know Misasa or whoever the development team is so we can make the mod kits up.

I am pleased with results.

Oh and as I did all the installation to my Aquilla myself using solid works, i have all the dxf files for laser cutting, and the pdfs for the bending etc. Its a easy retro fit kit for a Aquilla. I took a standard airframe from Aiden and worked from that, drew it in 3d as I thought one day that a retro fit would be needed Didn't like Aidens oil tank location at all. Mine is on the side and oil cooler on the trailing arm.

Also think of the fuel saving for schools...

Paul (zulu1)

[alanmack]

Thanks Paul

[John Boucher]

Neat installation....

Neat engine....

Want more horsepower though....

[African Grey]

Howsit Paul...remember up here at the Reef we lose 16 to 18 % anyway - so maybe 80hp (at the coast) is not all bad....?

Would there be a CAA procedure to follow for the EFI modules..?

HAve a few 582's at the Circus that would love to have the HKS with your EFI fitted.

Russ

[Byron]

What are we looking at spending for a complete retro-fit? (engine + efi + exhaust + gearbox + mounting)

[ZULU1]

I have no idea about the base motor, but the rest of the gear I will price up for say ten units/20 units and so on. If I have some idea how many are needed it will make matters easier. Will work on it the weekend.

Paul

[Boet]

70 HP is plenty enough for a BB. How does the HKS compare to the 582 weight wise? I built a BB, taking care of the weight and ended up with a genuine 225kg aerie INCLUDING the 503 engine. Gearbox was E, 3.47:1 swinging a P-Prop 50X 70". It performed GREAT. Imagine 70 HP 4-stroke. You have me VERY interested. Unfortunately like a lot of the other guys, my cash-flow ( WHAT is THAT??) has headed south...... ( But being happy and healthy makes me rich )

[Papillon]

Hi Paul

You've got me very interested in the HKS EFI motor too. I've always been keen on 4-stroke and 912 is beyond my budget (seriously got the mutters with 582 and manuals and TBO's and plain stupidity!)
What is the rpm in the cruise? Have your mods been approved by CAA etc?

[Trikenut]

Hi
Solowings are now selling the Aquilla with the option of the HKS for about R200 000.00.
If Aidan has tested it and he's happy well then they must be pretty good.
They consume about 7-9 Litres per hour!
Certinly they are starting to look like a good option with all this stupid CAA - Rotax business.
Check out their site http://www.solowings.co.za

Ross