RV-6 Plenum

Hi all,

Here is a small project I have been working on for a while. I wanted to build a plenum for my 0-360 powered RV6 that would fit the standard Vans baffles and early cowl.

So far I have completed the pattern, mold and the prototype you can see here. I am using this prototype to finalize the shape and trimlines on the mold. Once this is done I will build the flying version.

http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq282/whittfic/Plenum1.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq282/whittfic/Plenum2.jpg
http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq282/whittfic/Plenum3.jpg

I haven't decided on the lay-up yet but will likely go with three or four layers of 300gm glass twill cloth and fire retardant vinylester resin.

Anyone see any potential problems with this set-up?

Clive Whittfield
Auckland
New Zealand
RV6 Slow build, Firewall fwd and instruments - 90% done, 90% to go

Beautiful work!

Don't know much about plenums but if it works like it looks it should add at least 50 mph to your cruise! Please keep us posted!

It is outstanding work....

....and I can see others waiting in line for theirs!

A business opportunity perhaps? Upper/lower intersection fairings maybe?

Regards,

Nice.

It looks beautiful. I'm assuming the finished product will fill the gap between the plenum and the rear cylinder plates? Also, it looks a bit tall (could just be photo perspective); how well does it clear the top cowl?

Pretty work.

The primary goal of a plenum is to improve sealing, as compared to conventional baffle seals against the upper cowl. How are you planning to connect to the inlets with a positive seal?

Thanks for the comments folks.

I will be retaining a section of the original forward baffles to cover the sides around the front cylinder heads and also the curved sections that form around the fins, so the gaps you are seeing will be sealed.

As for the inlets, I haven't decided that yet but am thinking of something similar to the set-up used around the cowl/carb inlet box join. Open to ideas tho'.

The plenum does appear a bit tall in the photos, however there is about 1/2" clearance under the cowl. It follows the curve of the trimmed baffles and provides enough clearance to leave the engine lifting bracket in place. As you see it at the moment it just 'sitting there' for the photos, I intend to use screws and nutplates to secure it in place.

A business opportunity?? Hmm, we'll see. Hadn't really thought of it like that but if there is enough interest..... Let me get the finished product done first (a couple of weeks) and I will post some more photos.