Cuts Nine Pounds Of Weight From Popular Engine Kits

Sonex Aircraft, LLC announced this week another new enhancement to the popular AeroConversions AeroVee Engine Kit, with the introduction of weight-saving Nikasil Cylinders. The upgrade package reduces AeroVee Engine weight by just over 9 lbs and is offered at significantly lower cost than Nikasil or comparable NiCom kits offered by competing VW conversion manufacturers.

A new AeroVee Engine Kit can be upgraded with a Nikasil Cylinder set for $500. Existing AeroVee engine customers may purchase the Nikasil Cylinder upgrade for $750. Equipped with Nikasil Cylinders, the AeroVee Engine Kit is the lightest-weight fully-featured 2180cc VW aircraft conversion available in the marketplace today, according to Sonex.

"Nikasil Cylinders are quickly becoming a standard feature in high-performance engines," said Sonex Aircraft, LLC General Manager and CEO Jeremy Monnett. "Higher-volume production has recently brought the cost of Nikasil coated parts down to a reasonable level for the recreational pilot. It is difficult to find ways to save 9 lbs on any aircraft, and this weight savings can make a significant difference for Light, Sport class aircraft that can utilize the VW-based AeroVee Engine. This optional upgrade further solidifies the AeroVee 2.1 Engine as the market leader in the affordable, light-weight, high-performance engine conversion market."

Nikasil is a trademarked electrodeposited oleophilic nickel matrix silicon carbide coating for piston engine components. AeroVee Nikasil coated aluminum cylinders replace standard cast iron cylinders, saving 37 ounces per cylinder and offering superior resistance to corrosion and wear. AeroConversions Nikasil Cylinder sets include Nikasil-coated aluminum cylinders, graphite-coated cast aluminum pistons, wrist pins, wrist pin snap rings, and piston rings.

The AeroVee 2.1 is a complete VW Conversion Engine Kit Package, by AeroConversions, a product line of Sonex Aircraft, LLC. The AeroVee 2.1 package is a 2180 cc, 80 hp aircraft engine that can be run on 100LL or auto fuel. The complete package weighs 161 lbs complete, or 152 lbs with the Nikasil Cylinder Upgrade.

The AeroVee comes as a complete kit that you can assemble yourself in approximately 12 hours, with the aid of an AeroVee Assembly Manual and an instructional DVD. The AeroVee Assembly DVD is available for purchase separate from the engine kit to aid customers in their engine purchase decision. A complete AeroVee/Sonex Installation Guide is provided, along with free telephone and email technical support. An AeroVee engine on-line discussion group is also available.

FMI: www.sonexaircraft.com, www.aeroconversions.com