Engine Conversions and Conversion Kits.

Posted by Argjr on April 22, 2008 at 10:01pm in General Chit Chat

I am new to this and I would like to have your take on geo conversions. Any info on units flying in the area?

Permalink Reply by Mike LaVergne on April 23, 2008 at 12:45am: I did a Suzuki conversion and have it running after a year. I never thought it would take so much time. I'm not a auto mechanic but guess what now I am!!!!!! Knew nothing about fuel injection etc. Used the SDS system after trying Ravens design. It's been quite an experience that I wouldn't do again. You really are the R & D guy and if you are by your self like I am it is very difficult. If you have a mentor in your area then OK. Glad to talk on the phone. Mike; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Argjr on April 30, 2008 at 9:28pm: Hi Mike, Thanks for the info. Wow what a scary thought. Even now that you are a mechanic, you still would not do another conversion? Yes I would like to talk to you on the phone. Just tell me how you want to do it. Do you have any good things to say about the engines? Do you know others like yourself with the same experience or have had a better experience with their projects? What were the main reasons for going into the project? Have you heard anything about airtrikes.net? Thanks Again. Adam; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gordon L. Slivinski on May 6, 2008 at 10:04pm: Hi . I've worked on two G10 Geo Metro/Suzuki engine conversions and custom built two trikes
for them One is mine and the other is my partners Ken. Still finishing mine off , but already
am thinking of planes for the next a G13. I just love these engines.

Gordon; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Argjr on May 22, 2008 at 8:00pm: Thanks Gordon, I have been reading all I can on the subject.

Adam; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Abid Farooqui on May 9, 2008 at 11:46pm: Argir,
If you are new to flying then stay clear of Geo engine conversions. They are nice little engines but they require mechanical aptitude, understanding of fuel injection and ECM systems, understanding or familiarity with reduction technologies and how they effect your thrust line etc. and most importantly lack of resources unless you are one of the lucky ones who happen to be close to someone who has done this before with success. Plus every second as a new pilot you are flying the conversion, your brain is telling you ... is this thing going to quit or what?
Is it worth it? If it is for you only then go for it. As a new pilot its better to stay with the industry established Rotax engines for now. Perhaps later.
Abid; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike LaVergne on May 11, 2008 at 12:39am: I have to agree with what you are saying Abid. I think you are using very wise judgment. I started my Geo project two years ago and have learned alot. Just think how much flying I could of gotten in if I hadn't been working on this project. I have since bought a trike with a 503 Rotax engine to continue my training. Before my Geo project goes in the air I will have an expert in SDS installations check it over. The SPG-2 from V will be completely disassembled and retorqued. Mike; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gordon L. Slivinski on May 11, 2008 at 11:18am: Mike it sometimes seams like you will never get in the air when you
build a project. Having a trike to fly while you build is a very good
choice to make. As I am already flying with my SDS system if you need
any advise then feel free to ask.
Gordon; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike LaVergne on May 12, 2008 at 10:24pm: Hi Gordon, It really sounds like your the go to guy. I will be contacting you soon. Mike.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by OLIVIER on May 16, 2008 at 12:47pm: i m going to buy e eagle trike g13 geo suzuki, do you think i t s easy maintenance? because i don t now about mecanic.
or car mecanical can do the maintenance of it?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gordon L. Slivinski on May 17, 2008 at 10:27am: Hi Olivier. If everything is set up properly and you do all the
proper maintenances to your engine ; like changing oil and spark plugs every 50 hours . Or resisting turning it into a racing engine,
then there should be no problems this engine outlasting any Rotax engine out there. The other thing is to find a good mechanic that you trust that is willing to work on aircraft engines . BTW where are you?
Gordon; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by OLIVIER on May 22, 2008 at 3:59pm: Gordon, i thank you about yours comments, i can change oil and spark plugs by myself, but opening engines and doing overhaul, that is not for me.
whith your experience whith geo suzuki, what would be overhauled time for it, and ares safety for cross contry?
i m in mexico, and here, anythink from rotax is very f... expensive, i don t want now anymore about rotax.
Olivier; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gordon L. Slivinski on May 22, 2008 at 5:09pm: Hi Oliver . These engines are far better than any Rotax engine in the same class . If you started with an engine
rebuilt and supplied by someone like Raven Redrive then
you would be looking at between 800- 1000 hours between
overhauls. If you are looking at an engine supplied by Vassili than I could only guess at how many hours. I question the validity of some of his work. Overhauls on these engine are about 1/4 the cost of any Rotax engine . If you want to learn more about these engines then join the Geo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlyGeo_uncensored/
we have lots of free information for anyone interested.
Plus Tom Hinderks will becoming out with his new Geo Engine Conversion Manual and you'll be able to get it from
him and use it to help you with your engine maintenance
Gordon; ▶ Reply to This

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