More Power... And We Mean LOTS More!

Aero-News received word this week that during the Reno Air Races in Sparks, NV last month, Performance Turbo Conversions introduced a new 350 hp, twin turbocharged firewall forward engine conversion for the Glasair III aircraft line -- taking the fastest Glasair trophy in the process, while running 315.722 mph in the Gold Sport Class Races.

The turbo engine package -- dubbed the "III-XP" – was developed by Grant Semanskee of Performance Turbo Conversions in Snohomish, WA and installed by Kevin Eldridge of SLO Air Inc., in San Luis Obispo, CA. It was Eldridge who then raced it in the Reno Air Races, to obtain valuable installation and performance data. 

"We decided to run the prototype III-XP installation at the Reno Air Races to gain valuable installation and performance data under the extreme conditions of the harsh race environment", said Semanskee. "However, it is important to note that the III-XP package is not a 'race only' engine installation. It utilizes a stock Lycoming engine and is intended to be used as a 'daily driver' by Glasair owners who routinely have a need to fly high and get to their destination very quickly."

"Initial performance numbers are encouraging," Semanskee added, "with initial cruise speeds of 313 mph (273 kts) at 16500 feet @ 75% power." Based upon current in-flight data, Semanskee expects cruise speeds of 345 mph at 75% power and up to 370 mph for those who want to run at full power.

At the core of the new III-XP package is a 350 HP Lycoming TIO540-AE2A engine similar to that used in the Piper "Mirage" PA46-350P aircraft. However, the installation has been substantially reconfigured for the Glasair III and encompasses many performance enhancements including a new induction and exhaust system; enhanced engine cowling with integrated carbon-fiber cooling plenum and resized inlet/exit areas for optimum cooling and performance; new Hartzell propeller and spinner; etc. The end result of the III-XP installation is exceptional high-altitude Glasair III performance and excellent fuel economy.

"I had a lot of fun working with Glasair Aviation and SLO Air Inc., to bring the Glasair III-XP product to the Glasair pilot community," said Semanskee. "I've always loved my Glasair III and now with the III-XP twin turbo conversion, my Glasair gets to altitude more quickly and flies higher with more efficiency. There just isn't anything else on

 the market that provides this kind of performance and efficiency at such a low cost!"

Upon completion of field testing, the III-XP firewall forward package will be made available as an option for existing and new Glasair III owners.

FMI: Grant.Semanskee@verizon.net