enhanced HP C-90

[Mich]

Good day!

I have a 7-EC Champ with a C-90 Continental engine. Most of my flying in northern Ontario consists of float flying…

I’m looking to squeeze more horse power out of this bird as some of the lakes are somewhat tight for a float plane.

What has been done to increase performance?...tuned exhaust? Thrust kit?

My champ is now in owner maintenance category which could give me some margin of maneuver although I try to keep it as original as possible.



I am certain I could benefit from other’s fruitful experiences…



Michel

[WWhunter]

Good old "flow matching" the cylinders may give you a little bit extra power. I have also read about putting a different pitch prop on that allows you to spin the engine up for more power....There is a guy on the J3 site that runs his engine up around 3000 RPM if I remember correctly. It may be an O-200 but fairly similar to the 90.
If your owner maintaince catagory is similar to our experimental here in the US I would think there are lots of things a guy can do to get more power out of your engine. Maybe search out someone that runs these small engine in formula racing and see what they might know. Just an idea.....
WW

[joea]

I would look into the VG applications for your wing first. Then a climb prop for the engine.

[Larry]

Put C-85 pistons in your C-90 to increase the compression ratio. Of course, it will not be a "certified" engine any longer.

Harry Fenton has many tips about the small Continental engines at this web site:

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/fenton.htm#a65-O200

[N86250]

Read all Harry's tips closely. The C85 piston swap is not as simple as it seems. You need the C85 rods too as there is a difference in the small ends. And there might be some machine work needed on the pistons if they protrude too far into the combustion chamber. Study it all out and be sure of what you are getting into.jrh

[Paul Agaliotis]

Michel,
Put on a long prop with a small pitch. Getting the engine speed higher is the quickest way to increased power.
Paul

[CptKelly]

If you are looking for a real horsepower increase, add a Aeromatic prop. When an Aeromatic is installed, it feels like you have two engines.
Makes a HUGE difference in performance.

Mike

[rkittine]

I have a C-90-8 which is rated for 95 takeoff HP for 2 minutes. The seaplane prop really makes a difference. I have the Wilson, mufflers, which I do not know how they effect it. I did put on the Micro Vortex Generators and this gave me the best increase in performance as you can fly a lot earlier.