Zenair 701

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

Hello , I'll like to correspond with any non Barret-Jackson 701 builders , I mean , this is the affordable flying forum . I am aware of the other groups but it's different..... . I believe that even today the 701 it's possible for little less than 10k . What do you think ? , any renegades here ? .

PR

Subject: Re: Zenair 701 Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:13 pm

Are You plans building? If so I think it is verry possable to build it for les than 10k. Using a Valley engineering VW conversion will lower the price further.

Chris

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

Yep , it has to be plans built . The VW is an option for the 4stroke/long rage builder . In my case is a Rotax 583 , almost like the original 701 (prototype flew with R503 then R532).That engine along with other lightening mods can make the 701 almost a VTOL ! .

PR

Subject: Re: Zenair 701 Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:47 pm

Well, after doing a little more research I discovered that the cheapes method would be to use a hirth 2706 http://www.recpower.com/3203.htm

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

Well I was not aware that they where priced that low.... , I wonder how come ? , aren't they german made ? . Not sure if you noticed that I said 583 as in snomo engine . With some luck and patience , where talking about 90hp at a little over 4k and that with a "C" box . I got that info from two guys that done it . Thaks for the link .

PR

Subject: Re: Zenair 701 Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:06 am

Quote :: 583 as in snomo engine . With some luck and patience , where talking about 90hp at a little over 4k and that with a "C" box

River, I read through you post so fast I failed to pick up on the 583 part. My eyes just jumped to the 582. 90hp for 4k sounds like a price that cant be beat Shocked

Chris

Posts : 12 Join date : 2008-08-13

Hi, I'm new and plans building a CH 701, Yes ,you can build one for under $10,000 US. I am using a Raven SVS 1300. It is a converted Suzuki Swift engine. I have a running 583 in a snowmobile, but I want to own this for a long time. So the fuel efficiency of the Suzuki won me over (2.5 to 3 gph cruise). It also has a projected TBO of 1000+ hrs. I could be way under 10,000 if I used an engine I already had! The plans building of a 701 requires a bit of woodwork and aluminum shaping of course, as well as some welding. The cool thing about Zenith is that they will sell you any individual part, that you decide may be out of your realm of expertise to build. I believe the 583 too be a better alternative then the Hirth. When you get up around 100 hp the Hirth starts to get more expensive. And you can get parts at your friendly power sports dealer for the Rotax.

Kevin

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

Kevin , glad you made it here . So maybe I'm not the only one howling at the moon ?.
PR

Posts : 1 Join date : 2008-08-14

Another option you might want to consider is Zenith's new CH 750. You can build this airplane for the same price as the 701 and then power it with an affordable corvair engine.....

http://www.zenithair.com/

Posts : 12 Join date : 2008-08-13

You can also put CORVAIR into a corvair AND have the CG work out.
http://www.flywithgus.com/page4.html

The 750 would cost a bit more even to plans build, not much but a little more. You get the same usable payload and it has less STOL capability. It does go a little faster, but if you want to go faster get the 650, it is not a slouch ether.

Kevin

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

CY V , the Corvair it's ok , but , internationally and to keep cost down the Suzuki , Subaru are options easyer to get . I want radical stol , so I'm sticking to the 2stroke . The 750 will cost bit more .

Posts : 12 Join date : 2008-08-13

The 583 is the uncorked snowmobile version of the 582. It runs around 90hp. Pretty good power to weight ratio for a VTOL.

Kevin

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

kmccune wrote:: The 583 is the uncorked snowmobile version of the 582. It runs around 90hp. Pretty good power to weight ratio for a VTOL.

Kevin

Take off's are going to be a no brainer but short landings ..... . I think the 701 is perfect , and I mean since the original with oil canning heavy rudder etc , but a trailing link main gear will allow a short no bounce "carrier" landings .I think it's the only thing missing in the equation .

PR

Posts : 25 Join date : 2008-07-22 Location : 66W 18.5N

Hello

I thought that this will help others in the process of looking for an affordable build . Go to yahoo groups "701 builders" and in msg #260 you'll find the materials list . It is a very complete list and will let you know the current cost to build the 701 from plans .

To find out if plans building is for you , go to , www.homebuilthelp.com , and buy "scratch building basics" DVD .

In these though times this aircraft (as well as other old desings ) remains viable .

PR