Kitfox 2

[Allen Sutphin 705]

Anybody flying a model 2 with a 503? Considering what engine to hang on the nose when restoration is complete. Can't seem to give the NSI/Subrau away so maybe a heck of an airboat. It runs smooth but heavy.  Thinking that the original model 2 had a 503 or 532, and a 582 seems to be the common replacement but its still a little on the heavy side when you add the radiators and plumbing. Am leaning to a Hirth air cooled 55,65 or 80.  Just wondering what the performance might be with a 50-65 hp engine.

[Jared 4]

Where are you located I may be interested in your ea 81

[1avidflyer 1983]

I recently sold a 55 HP and 65 HP Hirth engines.  I will have a couple of 582s available soon.  Have them in the shop being gone through to make sure all is good.  One has never ran, and the other has been sitting for a couple of years.  New seals and complete internal inspections on both.   JImChuk

[Allen Sutphin 705]

I am in the middle of WVa. 304-847-5723. It would include everything associated with it. engine, prop, spinner, PRSU, all gages, radiator, engine controls,etc. I ran it up yesterday and all temps and pressures came up normal.  Call me if you would be interested, will give you a heck of a deal.

[1avidflyer 1983]

I guess I didn't really address the 503 question in your post.  I flew with a guy who had a 503 in his Kitfox 4 in Pensecola Fl a couple of times.  The plane was real light, 525 lbs or so, and we were pretty much at sea level, but I was surprised how well that plane performed.  I'm considering putting an HKS on my recently acquired Kitfox 3 if it comes out light enough when I have it ready to mount an engine.  There was a Tom Jones out in Wa. that had a 503 in his Kitfox 4 as well, and he flew it a lot and liked it.  JImChuk

[Allen Sutphin 705]

I've had good luck with the 503 on other aircraft but they were pusher types and had plenty of cooling. In an enclosed cowling an air-cooled two stroke runs a little on the warmer side. That is one place where water cooled has an advantage. An HKS is a good engine when set up properly but final performance is close to a 503. Top end speed is less important than short field performance which is critical around here. Which is why I like the model 1, 2, or 3 kitfox.  I am shooting for a 450 lb empty weight. May be wishful thinking but it is doable. Nothing but 'G' airspace around here so I don't use many fancy gadgets outside of the basics.

[Bandit 286]

I have 503 in my Avid. It is around 486lbs empty.  I have 1050 hrs on it now. No cooling problems. 

[Allen Sutphin 705]

That's great!