doxilia-
There's nothing I'd consider "butchering" in making a U-shaped hole in the canopy to pass the header - that's how many have done it in the past. Provided your header doesn't enter the canopy from the top, I don't see anything ungraceful in this approach
This is the reassurance I was hoping for...
The butchering was the height the pipe would enter the canopy.... "Butchering" was a bad choice in words now that all has been said. But after seeing the XLT photo above, I don't think Joe Bridi would disapprove of this header choice either.
Honestly, I know that I need to open the rear of the canopy. I was going to approach it as I would a cowl. Even though I am going to direct the exhaust out the bottom, I still need to keep it cool in the canopy. The heat off the header could cause real issues if not cooled. Because I have never run a tuned pipe, I do not know how warm this gets, but I get the impression the pipe won't heat up like the header...
David-
Not sure that I understand the concern about the header entering the tank area. As I see it, the firewall stops below the header. There is a large balsa block glued on top of it. You simply carve and sand the space needed for the header You won't actually carve into the tank area. Am I missing something?
I think I hit on a winner with this header. I would like to fire the system up on a stand and hear it run and break it in a little before the end of the fly season. I am nervous about this process. The system won't be tuned at first, Hopefully it will be adjusted closely before I ever add fuel based on Mr. Dean Pappas's math. I want to use the right fuel and blend, prop, plug, etc... I'm half tempted to send it out to someone to break it in for me the right way with Dean Pappas's understanding.
So when does the build begin?
I will not start another airplane until my Kaos is finished... I will not start another airplane until my Kaos is finished, I will not start another airplane until my Kaos is finished...
At least this is what I am desperately trying to convince myself. [
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Honestly, I think it will be a year- 2012 build season. (Don't throw tomatoes at me, please!!!) Only because I want to try to approach R_G, 8178, doxilia, and so many other's mastery. I need a couple better tools, better lighting in my shop, and I need my gravity foam cutter constructed and understood. Even with a kit, I do not want to use the foam provided. I noticed that the cuts were not the same (within an 1/8" difference in TE's). This is significant to me. I think I want to use your templates to cut the wing and horizontal to be honest. But I want to make consistent cuts. Not just for myself, but I am finaly getting some interest in my area with these airplanes. I'd like to help my friends get classic airplanes they want to fly in the air. A lot of interest in the Curare's here.... That's cool too. [8D]
So I think I will take this time to wrap up my SK, my daughter's new trainer, and start to better plan EVERYTHING for the Escape. Pinpoint where the on-board equipment will go, What I need to do to successfully route the exhaust, I am even playing with the idea of making a mold to make a carbon fiber tub in the top of the fuse to go under the header and pipe. You wouldn't see it with the canopy on, but it would be impressive, and functional... I think.
I need to invest in a new transmitter. I am currently running a Futaba 9cap on 72mghz... I am very impressed with the new Airtronics 10G... Not sure if I need or want that much radio though. Not liking the reviews of the Airtronics new 6 channel option. Futaba is okay... It gets the job done but I'd rather use the Airtronics 10G honestly. No interest in JR or Spektrum. Hitec 9 is interesting...
I'm confused...?
Sorry... I give the dumbest long answers to simple questions. Just ask R_G! I obsess WAY TOO MUCH over this stuff.
Brian