Hi Folks,,
I thought I would take a couple of moments to describe the excellent results I have had in adding c-85 pistons to my O-200 powered Varieze.
First off, if you have an O-200 VE CHANGE THE PISTONS NOW!!
The pistons can be purchased from Fresno airparts along with the rings, and all the other required parts (ie Base seals) should be no trouble to track down.
Depending on what cylinders you have, you may or may not need to modify the pistons to fit. it seems the older cylinders are the ones that have clearance issues. The mod is fairly straightforward and consists on a quarter inch(or thereabouts) chamfer at about 30 degrees from the top of the piston. email me for a pic of the modified piston.
After installation and re timing the mags to about 26 degree btdc I fired it up, and it sounded great. I ran it on the ground for 10 mins or so and checked for leaks. Everything seemed good so on with the cowls and away I went.
The plane was like it was on steroids, I picked up 100 rpm static and more importantly, seat of the pants acceleration. My top speed has increased roughly 10mph and Im almost considering buying a prop with more pitch (I have a Great American 56x68) as I can almost touch 3000rpm in level flight!
This was the best money ( less than $500 btw) spent on my plane since purchase, and I would recomend it to any other VE or O-200 powered owner!
If anyone has questions regarding this mod, email me and I'll do my best to answer you.
Happy flying.
