New Member Engine Question

[wbrazinski]

Hi Folks!
I'm a new member and, of course, have an obligatory New Member question :) I also asked this question on the HKS group but have not heard anything back and figured I'd ask here as it's sometime time sensitive.

I have heard of a 90 Hour HKS700e which is available firewall forward including prop for $5,000 from a friend of a friend. I do trust that the engine is in good condition because I know these guys reasonably well.

That said - if any of you are running the HKS could you let me know which gearbox ratio you are using, and what your prop dimensions are? It would be most helpful to know - I'll find out today what this motor has, and I'll ask why he's selling it. I think he's selling his Firestar and is willing to sell the motor separately.

If I can figure out whether this motor is "good" it will make a huge difference to my ability to pull of a Thunder Gull as it appears to be half of what a brand new one would cost.

Thanks so much,

Wayne

[wsweidemann]

Wayne,

My HKS 700E powered Odyssey has the 3.47 gearbox driving a 68" diameter Powerfin three bladed prop. If I understand the gearing, when the engine is running at 5400 rpm the prop is turning 1556 rpm.

Skot

[blaswichk]

Also looks like a good price, assuming it is in good shape, as it is about half of a new one. Also if from a firewall forward, (backwards on Gulls and Firestars), the prop will be the correct direction, and probably similar diameters, and hopefully a ground adjustable and not fixed, as the Gulls cruise faster than the Firestars, (I know, as a friend of mine has one, and I blow right past him in fast cruise, although he’s only running a Rotax 447/40 hp).

[dickoreilly]

You should get the serial number and then check with HKS distributor, APUS, in FL for parts availability. There are two versions of HKS and s/n 100600 and up are the current version.

Dick O'Reilly

[wbrazinski]

Thanks for the very helpful responses everyone - it's great to hear. The serial number is 100857 and I called the distributor. He said the only significant thing about it is that the timing gear is not keyed on that vintage, and that's about it. The only time that's an issue is when there has been a prop strike or really bad backfire. Otherwise it's a good motor from a Mfg. standpoint.

A problem (of course) has arisen now which is that the guy they sold the Flightstar fuselage too has backed out and now they want $7,500 for the whole plane & Motor :( I'd have to stick a different motor on it and sell it while keeping the HKS, which is the part I really want.....

So now I need someone who wants a Flightstar - or I back out myself...

[blaswichk]

$7,500 for the plane and the engine?? Sounds like that would work, a $2,500 airframe that is popular. Throw and old 447 on it and put it on Barnstormers. Or if your out west, maybe my buddy could be interested without an engine, as he likes Kolb’s.

kb

[rileywinglowe]

Kess, you might be confusing Flightstar with a Firestar? The Flightstar is a tractor tri-gear with a sailcloth wing. The Flightstar people used to be the US distributor for HKS, early on.

Any case, you are right, $2500 for the airframe would be a good deal, and Flightstars did come with 447's as well, so might be easy to switch over.

[blaswichk]

Arrgh......., yes your right, I mis-read the plane. Firestar, yes, Flightstar, no.

[wbrazinski]

Wow - you guys are as sharp as can be - these ideas didn't occur to me. Ironically - the guy I know runs a little airplane kit company - his buddy has the plane and motor. Late yesterday he told me he has a 503 he could stick on the Flightstar and then we could sell it on Barnstormers. I know its not anywhere near as good of a plane as the Kolb - but we could sell it very inexpensively and someone else would get a great bargain, he'd sell his 503, and I'd get my HKS. My real risk is $2,500 assuming the motor is good as he'd install the 503 as his part of the joint deal.

I'm doing a flying lesson out there on Saturday and my instructor said it's no problem to zip over and see the plane. I'll have an experienced guy with me (not an A&P - but a lifer) and if the motor looks good it will be very hard to resist, despite the risk.

Frankly - I can't believe they sold a lot of these things - they look scary to me. Maybe I'm just being a baby but the Gull's look like they were designed with purpose and grace..... Just saying :)

[tgulldave]

I disagree with the idea that Flightstars aren't as good as a Kolb
Firestar. I bought a Flightstar from a guy who went on to get a Kolb
Firestar. He was always telling me how much better he liked the Flightstar.
The only reason he stuck with the Kolb was because he trailered it to
Arizona and back each year, and needed the folding wing.