Centurion and Gladiator cylinders

[Bearhawk535]

I recently came across an article about new water cooled cylinders to fit Lycoming 4 and 6 cylinders made by AC Aero.
Does anyone know much about them? They claim 350 hp from 6 cylinder and 220 hp from 4 cylinder with less weight.
They claim 42 and 28 lb weight reduction, respectively and able to run auto gas. They do increase the displacement substantially to achieve this and offer a stroker crank for further increases.
My question would be- would it be necessary to strengthen the 4 and 6 cylinder motor mounts to accommodate the increased HP and torque.
i think the weight savings will be offset by radiator and coolant weight but to get that kind of HP to weight would be a big gain.

[svyolo]

I have seen that guys website for several years now. He is also claiming to be developing diesels. For the most part all I see is CAD images, although I think I did see an actual picture of the water cooled Lycoming cylinders.

Sounds like a great idea, but unfortunately aviation has always been full of great ideas, and people willing to fund it with deposit money.

[zkelley2]

I've been watching that to. I'd love to have water cooling. But until I see some of them out there in action, it's vaporware. That and until I need a top end, I'm not going to be just throwing good jugs away.

[Russellmn]

They've been running them at Reno. Supposedly available to normal consumers now too. 4cyl versions are around $18k iirc, stroker kits are similar prices. Combined is something like 450 CI and 600 for the 6 cyl. But they're claiming 300hp from the 4cyl...

[svyolo]

They sell stroker kits which are still air cooled. I didn't see that they are running their water cooled cylinders at Reno yet but I could be mistaken.

[whee]

I’d like water cooling but this is just more 1930s tech. Franklin engines developed water jackets for their engine for automotive use in the 30s.

I think a properly engineered and manufactured psru coupled to a modern auto engine would be a massively better solution.

[zkelley2]

I do to, but I've yet to see anyone produce such a thing except rotax with their 1980s tech 912.

I guess you could say the Continental Diesels got their start that way. But hold on to your wallet.

[svyolo]

After years of advertising, no picture or video of a running engine, they are going to deliver 4 different cylinder kits, and 4 completely different engines to customers in the next 5-7 months. That includes a V-12.

Did I mention no pictures of a single prototype engine, and no videos of one running? That is according to their website, under "Reservations".

[Gr8apmech]

I’ve put a deposit on a stroker kit and water cooled cylinders! 😜🤪😞😒🙁☹️

id love to see a proven 5.3 Chevy PSRU kit. It appeals to my hot rodder heart!

[Russellmn]

Please keep us updated on how long it takes to get them and what you think of them when you do! Curious to see if the quality is there.