P85, New Kit Design, First V8 Engine Runs

[Jeff Ackland]

We recently accomplished the first runs of the V8 engine in our P85.

Video here: http://altitudegroupllc.com/aircraft/p85/

[Chad Jensen]

That is going to make one beautiful looking, and great performing airplane!! Nice work!

[Aaron Novak]

It would be very interesting to know the details of the engine, what components were used and what kind of validation work was done? The LS architecture is not the worst to start with, and as long as components are adjusted for durability and reliability, and a good QC program is put in place it should be a neat engine. Not the cheapest.....but fun :)

[Jeff Ackland]

It would be very interesting to know the details of the engine, what components were used and what kind of validation work was done? The LS architecture is not the worst to start with, and as long as components are adjusted for durability and reliability, and a good QC program is put in place it should be a neat engine. Not the cheapest.....but fun :)


The engine in our first P85 is essentially an LS3 stroked to 402 cid. GM sells a marine version of the LS3, rated at 418 hp and 80% "max continuous" power. Marine duty cycle is very, very similar to an aircraft duty cycle, especially if you are using a fixed pitch prop. Todays production automotive engines are validated via extremely rigorous and thorough testing protocols, with gigantic development budgets.

An LS3 crate engine runs about $6300. We figure the P85 firewall forward cost at approx $20K. This includes everything: engine, prop, re-drive, ECU, exhaust cooling, etc. All new parts. Excellent HP/$ ratio.

Jeff

[Jeff Ackland]

First Flight of the P85 Dec 17th! Airframe and engine performed with no problems right out of the box.

Some air to air video:

http://youtu.be/cHJGQGiqXfU

Jeff

[jimdc8]

Congrats Jeff! Looks great!

Jim

[HarryJames]

congratulation , Amazing its engine and body looking nice Good working .

[1600vw]

Very nice, but why no in flight video? It sure would be nice to take a virtual ride in that and hear that engine in action. Nothing sounds better then a Big V8. Please post some in flight video and let us hear that v8 in action.

Tony

[Floatsflyer]

Very nice, but why no in flight video?.

Tony

See reply #5 Dec. 2014.

[1600vw]

See reply #5 Dec. 2014.

I missed it. Should have known. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Tony