3 Cylinder Turbo Sidewinder Development
January 2023 - Nytro 3 Cylinder N/A Header Development
3D printed the Nytro Naturally Aspirated Header for test fitting. Then on to production. Will have the same build features as our Apex Header: https://bdturnkeyengines.com/header-apex
December 2022 - Nytro 3 Cylinder N/A AEM EFI system development
Working on Crank & Cam sync for proper ignition timing. The naturally aspirated 3 cylinder engines have the crank sensor on the front of the engine vs the Sidewinder (turbo version) has the crank sensor on the back of the engine with the Stator similarly to the Apex. Both use a 24/2 pattern and we run them Semi-Sequential fueling and Wasted Spark with the AEM system. It’s always an interesting day when you have to get the oscilloscope out!
October 2022 - Kitfox 5-7 Motor Mount
Motor Mount for the Kitfox 5-7 has been Released. Following the same design and build criteria as the Apex we now offer a 3 Cylinder Sidewinder / Nytro mount.
January 20, 2022 - Turbo Clocking Required
While doing initial run stand tuning oil was observed getting into the intake and exhaust through the turbo. I was hopeful that leaving the turbo in its OEM clock position would allow adequate oil drain as the Sidewinder has reasonable crankcase vacuum due to its dry sump oil scavenge pump. But apparently not! The drain in the OEM clocking is around 45 degrees to one side with the header configuration I’m wanting to run. So I removed the turbo and “clocked” the center housing so the oil drain is perfectly pointed downward.
This process was quite involved requiring machining of the Compressor Back Plate on Both Sides. One side for bolt hole alignment - its not a symmetric pattern, and on the back for the oil drain.
Additionally the Wastegate Actuator had to be moved to the back side as when the housing was clocked in did not mount properly and was in the way of the coolant ports. The Wastegate Arm had to be removed from the shaft and welded 90 degrees in the opposite direction for proper operation.
I also built a new Exhaust Flange increasing the Wastegate clearance to maximize and allow as much exhaust gases as possible to bypass if needed.
Jaunuary 2022 - Run Stand Tuning Begins
The Sidewinder is running with the Skytrax Gearbox and Prop. Initial tuning has begun with VERY promising results.
September 2021 - Demonstration Skytrax Gearbox
Teal Jenkins from Skytrax provided this demonstration gearbox so this engine could be on display at the Reno Air Races 2021
August 2021 - Prop Run Stand
The sidewinder is “running” on the AEM ECM, starts, idles, etc. But no real tuning has begun.
I have progressed to building a “Prop Run Stand”; Basically a tall run stand that the engine can be ran complete with the gearbox and prop to full RPM. My plan is to build the base tune this way in stead of on the dyno. My dyno schedule with V8’s is just to busy to leave the project on for any length of time and get any real progress made. This stand is somewhat universal and I have designed it to accept the Apex & Gearbox as well, and even the Phazer if need be.
Another modification has been with the Turbo Header. Teal Jenkins originally had this header fabricated. It centered the turbo with the engine, essentially lining it up with Cylinder #2. After some head scratching I decided to modify the header and align it with Cylinder #3. IMO this will give more cowl clearance in the front to an air cleaner and the wastegate actuator. Its not an elegant modification, but it is functional and should be fine for an initial base tune and possible to prototype a production header.
JANUARY 2021 - 3D Scanning
3D Scanning of the 3 Cylinder Turbo Sidewinder has been completed. We are working to develop various parts for the installation of this engine in various airframes. First on the design list is motor mounts for the Kitfox 4,5 & 7, Rans S7 & S21, and Zenith 701 & 750. These motor mounts will be designed to work with the Skytrax headers for both the Turbo & Naturally Aspirated 3 Cylinder Engines. Motor mounts will be load tested and professional TIG welded. Prices not yet established.
THIS 3D SCAN IS NOT FOR SALE!!!
DISCLOSURE: Everyone needs to realize that the 3 Cylinder Engine is NOT a 100% guarantee to be successful and like any new platform there will be "hiccups" along the way. Although the 3 Cylinder engine is of the same architecture as the 4 Cylinder Apex there are variations. If you need an engine flying in the next 365 days I would suggest you use the Apex. ALL Parts for the Apex are currently available. It is going to take some time for all the necessary parts for the 3 Cylinder to be available and flying. As of this post (July 2021) the 3 Cylinder Gearbox for example is NOT available and only a design in the Skytrax computer.