I have to agree watching Matt fly at Thistledown was one of the many highlights to the event. I was able to catch the flight on Saturday and Sunday. Amazing. For those that haven't had the pleasure to meet Matt, do so when you get the chance. He was at the field most of the time I was at the fly-in and even flew a donated plane in the foamy demolition event. Then he loaded up with the rest of us and headed downtown to the club and helped entertain the locals.

But, Matt I'm going to be looking for the knife edge spin sometime in the future. LOL

Is it another 580 or did you go back to the 540?

Dan

Used to do a Knife Edge spin...stopped a couple years ago...not sure why...maybe I'll re-visit thagt one?
The new engine is also a Lycoming AE-IO-580. But, this one has been developed by Lycomings new "Scunk Works" Thunderbolt devision. My old IO-580 was rated at 320 hp at 2700 RPM. It was a certified engine for use on cetified aircraft. A few years ago Lycoming was invloved with developing a 580 for a Reno racer. THey did very well with it and it was aslo putting out 360 hp give or take a few. The new pres. of Lycoming thought they should see how that basic engine would work in the aerobatic line of planes. So, a year later the first two were built and deliverd. One to Michael Goulian for his new Extra 300-SHP and the other for me. Mine dynoed out at 357 HP at 2750 RPM. Lycoming had no objections to turning the engine up to 3000 RPM like the Reno engine does while racing. I limit mine to 2850 RPM.
Thunderbolt was developed to build custom engines for the experimental market to compete with outside engine builders like Ly-Con and Barrett. They offer a list of costum options with ignition, timing, spark plugs, cam, and yes, even color! I wanted yellow, but was advised against that as yellow might turn brownish with the heat of the engine. So, purple it was!
The HP of the engine is great, but the real difference is in the torque. This engine will not bogg down at all at slow airspeed. It will keep digging in at the top of vertical lines. I really noticed it with Torque rolls and the whole Harrier thing. Mono planes have never really been that great at TR's, but this engine has changed that. I will put the CAP's TR's up against anyones now. I can get two more vertical rolls out of the plane, hang longer, and accelerate much faster. You really notice the power on take off.
Thats about it in a nut shell for those of you that are interested.
one downfall....fuel flow went up about 2 gph in cruise and is now a whopping 32gph doing acro.

mc

Matt,

Thanks for the info. Are you running the Hartzell? I would imagine that Lycoming can balance an engine to turn more RPM but the limiting factor then becomes if the prop will hold together under huge loads at higher RPM. I hope to see you fly someday. I was thinking about going to Tulsa for the ACAP but you know better than anyone that that didn't happen.

Dan

No it didn't!

Yes, running the Hartzell "claw". It's the carbon graphite blade. Ran the numbers by Hartzell and they were not worried at all about the rpm's or loads.

Sounds awesome Matt! Hope to see you fly again soon!!!

THANKS GUYS !@!!! NOW I GOT A WOODIE !!! LOL

mmkay Mr. Chapman, I'll have a video posted shortly of your show at thistledown...

Sweet Max!

Dream on Biffmeister, the only ride you're gonna get in that badass machine is the buzz you'll get smelling Acro's exhaust pipes after a successful 3-day performance.

:-)

OK Dave-O, you're now DEAD MEAT!! Anyone who posts even the posibility of Biffy getting a nose even CLOSE to any of Matty boys exhaust pipes is begging for a rainbow FG award. Tread lightly beotch!!

Originally Posted by Biff

OK Dave-O, you're now DEAD MEAT!! Anyone who posts even the posibility of Biffy getting a nose even CLOSE to any of Matty boys exhaust pipes is begging for a rainbow FG award. Tread lightly beotch!!

I don't think I write things like little huckeneer did. I must have hit a nurve a?

I'm here for you Biffy, and I'm not taken any sides just stating a factoid! Being on your bad side might have a change of pace - we'll see.

I was wondering how long it would take for the word to get out about Biff sticking his nose up my exhaust pipe. Nobody noticed the black ring around his nose each day? I really started to get concerned when I saw the ring around his mouth....However, the CAP has been VERY happy of late!!!???!!! The CAP liked it...remember..it's French... O'la la Biff.

I saw a black ring around his tongue...

Oh wait, but that was from his John Deer!

WELL well well, seem's Mr. Chapman needs to be taken down a notch. I was going to let you off the hook. Get ready for the BIFF ZONE OF PAIN!!! Line up a two man akybatical plane and I'll show you what REAL flying is!! Biff helmet cam and everything. I hope for your sake Acro Chimp that blacking out isn't something you fear. Prepare for pain.

I'm like that Viper dude on Top Gun. I can teach you how to fly faster and harder than you ever thought possible. You're good now, but after Biff's school of pain, you'll be better. Remember Chimp, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.