<![CDATA[Rotary Aviation.com - Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Rotary Aviation.com - Blog]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:45:15 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Tracy Crook: The Invention Continues]]>Mon, 30 Nov 2015 17:02:16 GMThttps://www.rotaryaviation.com/blog/tracy-crook-the-invention-continues

Long ago and far away an engineer by the name of Tracy Crook (owner and founder of RotaryAvaiation) decided to modify the RX-7 engine for flight in experimental aircraft. Hundreds and flight hours and one Sun n Fun 500 Air Race win later, the engine from the plane lives again in his latest project: The reincarnation of Roxy (his 2nd Gen RX-7 what was, sadly, hit by a deer many years ago) into a new lightweight, street legal toy. This blog will chronicle his project (at least, whenever he agrees to send new posts).

"WHatTHe"???

The project name is "WhatThe" because that is what people are likely to say when they see it drive down the street. In his own words " I think "WhatThe" is going to be a blast to drive. But it's going to look like Bubba tried to mate a Porsche 944 with a pickup truck then couldn't afford to put doors on it."

Forgot to mention the original inspiration for the project. It is definitely for on-road use, like the Slingshot which I ordered back in July and still has not been delivered. I got so tired of waiting that I decided to build my own version of the Slingshot but with 4 wheels instead of 3. That's why it will have no doors or rear glass hatchback. Even though it still has the windshield and most of the roof, the feeling of openness is amazing! People think the missing doors are just crazy and don't get it. I mention how much fun the old Army version of the Jeep was and anyone who ever road in one instantly remembers it and says "Oh yeah!" Some then say, but what about the danger? My answer to that is 'Compared to my motorcycle?'.

]]><![CDATA[Second Test Drive]]>Sat, 31 Jan 2015 23:34:14 GMThttps://www.rotaryaviation.com/blog/second-test-drive

Another test drive, this time with the transmission working right and the rear brakes not dragging so much. I gotta say, this thing is growing on me! If the SS handles half as well, I'll be happy. It's better than my Z3 and I love the Z.

Rat is definitely a keeper so here's the question: White (even without the mildew stains) is definitely the most ugly imaginable color for this thing so it's gotta be painted. I'm thinking it has to be a dark color but I hate black. Any suggestions appreciated.

]]><![CDATA[January 25th, 2015]]>Sun, 25 Jan 2015 17:08:12 GMThttps://www.rotaryaviation.com/blog/january-25th-2015Do you remember when you could actually see the engine when you pop the hood? Last time I saw a car with this much extra space in there was in a 57 Chevy.

After many delays and setbacks, the engine is finally installed and all the wires & plumbing hooked up. The original radiator looked so bad inside I decided to replace it with a three row racing radiator. With no AC or other accessories adding heat to the system I'm hoping to get away with no cooling fan. I don't anticipate any city driving but if cooling is a problem I'll add an electric fan later.

First engine start went without a hitch, It barked to life instantly after sitting on a shelf in the shop since 2005. And when I say bark I mean a loud one. The Racing Beat header is only hooked to a resonator that was removed from my BMW for the performance exhaust system install. Thought it might be enough but not even close. With all the soundproofing removed from the car every piece of sheet metal shook when I rev'd the engine. Without any doors or rear hatch I think this thing will tend to attract LEOs, so a muffler install is the next step. No leaks of any fluids which is always a pleasant surprise. I've done several engine installs so it wasn't too big a deal.

What WAS a relief was that after the front pump primed all the plumbing in the transmission it slipped into gear and so far everything works as expected! That was a first, and if the tranny had been a no-go I wouldn't have had enough personal drive to drag it out and start over.

No test drive yet, I still have some engine instruments to install before that happens. Of course I couldn't resist goosing the throttle once and it effortlessly laid down several feet of rubber on the shop floor! If you've ever driven an automatic equipped RX-7 you know that's not something it will do in stock form. I think this thing is going to be FUN!]]><![CDATA[Photo Ops]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:19:27 GMThttps://www.rotaryaviation.com/blog/photo-ops

Weight reduction is done ounces at a time. The stock Mazda coil assemblies weigh almost 10 pounds so they were replaced with these more modern parts. Chevy fans will recognize these from the LS series of V8s. The home made coil mounts are made from aluminum sheet, aluminum tubing and a couple of pieces of all-thread.

The stock intake manifold was chopped up and modified for weight reduction (it was crazy heavy) and higher power. A cold air intake will be added later. When it was in an airplane that scoop on top of the throttle body was inside a ram air intake on top of the cowl, ala P-40 Warhawk.

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