Jabiru J160c - Are there any gathering dust?

[Rapture]

Hi folks,

 

Does anyone have, or know of someone who has an airworthy J160c that is not flying, possibly due to engine issues or simply languishing in a hangar somewhere, not being used?

 

We are looking into installing a 100/110hp Zonsen engine into a J160c under the provisions of MARAP, and then potentially offering conversions to J160c owners to the more powerful engines.  Under the provisions of MARAP, the J160c would still be eligible to undertake training school activities.  The folks with the 100hp Rotax 912 conversions have all been happy with that conversion from both the performance and reliability perspectives.  The Zonsen engine (Rotax lookalike) is relatively new but there are several in Europe that have over 500 hours and have performed reliably.

 

Anyway, if you have or know of a J160c languishing away that we could potentially breathe new life into with a new engine and an EFIS display, please pm me.

 

Another option is installing the 145hp (137hp max continuous) turbocharged Zonsen into a J230 or J430.  At 10,000’ with the IAS limit for rough air (117kias), that would represent a cruise speed in rough air of 135ktas.  The still air cruise speed would be higher.  That level of performance would make the Jab230/430 a more serious cross country performer.  Takeoff and climb would also be better than with the 120hp Jab3300.  Anyway, if any of this discussion piques your interest, reach out to me and let’s discuss.

 

Thanks.

 

Dave

[JabiruWeekendWarrior]

Hi Dave, As a J160C owner I have four questions as the J160c is a bit weight restricted.

1. What is the ballpark figure for the 100Hp carby engine with all its required hang on parts to make the aircraft engine functional, mount, exhaust, spinner, radiator, propellor to suit and maybe cowl modifications?

2. Will a digital display like EMS be required if the aircraft only has steam gauges?

3. I assume the 100HP engine will be heaver than a standard Jabiru setup, how much ballast will need to be put in the tail?

4. Does the engine cowlings need modification for the different engine shape?

[Rapture]

Hi JabWW,

 

Someone on the Zenith forums has done an accurate weigh of a Rotax 912ULS with accessories and fluids  and achieved the following figures. The 100hp Zonsen CA500 will be essentially identical.

 

Components	Weight, lb
Engine mount	12.2
Exhaust, muffler	6.2
Exhaust, pipes	3.8
Radiator	2.4
Heater hose, throttle cable, etc.	4.8
Mounting hardware, oil cooler and tank, water cooling components, air filter, miscellaneous parts	19
Total parts	48.4
Oil
Engine 0.8 gal	5.44
Oil tank 0.8 gal	5.44
Oil radiator, hoses 0.3 quarts (assumption)	0.51
Total oil	11.39
Coolant
Cylinder heads, water pump, expansion tanks, coolant hose. 1.5 liters / 0.4 gallons as per Rotax installation manual.	3.3
Total coolant	3.3
Engine, dry	131.6
Total fwf, minus cowling	194.69

 

The prop that we will trial for the J160 conversion is the E-prop with its associated spinner which is likely to save a little weight over the Jabiru prop.

 

The J160c owners that have done the Rotax conversion have needed a new cowl, but the weight would likely be similar to the original Jab cowl.  They have all done the necessary W&B calculations that have been resolved with ballast. How much ballast I don’t know at the moment.  We will likely use the same team that has already done a Rotax conversion and have the knowledge of what will be involved.

 

An EFIS is not required but an Engine Indication System such as the GRT EIS would be useful to monitor engine parameters.

[skippydiesel]

I don't know one Jab from another. However there are at least 2-3 small Jab's, at The Oaks, NSW, that have not moved in years. - You may be able to make contact through Daves Flying School,  https://davesflyingschool.com.au/ 😈

[Rapture]

Thanks Skippy. I’ll give them a call.

[Blueadventures]

There is a 230 with a Rotax that gets around in Queensland and the owner is very happy with it.

[Rapture]

26 minutes ago, Blueadventures said:

There is a 230 with a Rotax that gets around in Queensland and the owner is very happy with it.

Hi Blue,

Do you know what model Rotax he has in the J230?  It’d probably be a bit lethargic with a 912, so I’m guessing the 914 or 915.  If anyone knows the owner of the J230 with Rotax, could you possibly pm me their name or contact details?

 

[Blueadventures]

8 minutes ago, Rapture said:

Hi Blue,

Do you know what model Rotax he has in the J230?  It’d probably be a bit lethargic with a 912, so I’m guessing the 914 or 915.  If anyone knows the owner of the J230 with Rotax, could you possibly pm me their name or contact details?

 

PM your contact; I'll get his contact from another mate and I'm sure he will be able to give his experience with it over the phone.

[BrendAn]

10 hours ago, Rapture said:

Hi JabWW,

 

Someone on the Zenith forums has done an accurate weigh of a Rotax 912ULS with accessories and fluids  and achieved the following figures. The 100hp Zonsen CA500 will be essentially identical.

 

Components	Weight, lb
Engine mount	12.2
Exhaust, muffler	6.2
Exhaust, pipes	3.8
Radiator	2.4
Heater hose, throttle cable, etc.	4.8
Mounting hardware, oil cooler and tank, water cooling components, air filter, miscellaneous parts	19
Total parts	48.4
Oil
Engine 0.8 gal	5.44
Oil tank 0.8 gal	5.44
Oil radiator, hoses 0.3 quarts (assumption)	0.51
Total oil	11.39
Coolant
Cylinder heads, water pump, expansion tanks, coolant hose. 1.5 liters / 0.4 gallons as per Rotax installation manual.	3.3
Total coolant	3.3
Engine, dry	131.6
Total fwf, minus cowling	194.69

 

The prop that we will trial for the J160 conversion is the E-prop with its associated spinner which is likely to save a little weight over the Jabiru prop.

 

The J160c owners that have done the Rotax conversion have needed a new cowl, but the weight would likely be similar to the original Jab cowl.  They have all done the necessary W&B calculations that have been resolved with ballast. How much ballast I don’t know at the moment.  We will likely use the same team that has already done a Rotax conversion and have the knowledge of what will be involved.

 

An EFIS is not required but an Engine Indication System such as the GRT EIS would be useful to monitor engine parameters.

i had a jabiru lsa 55 which i believe was the first jab sold serial 003.  it was fitted with a 912 80 hp. fully certified for training . i think there were 3 of these conversions done under an stc in the early 90's.

[JabiruWeekendWarrior]

Hi Dave,  thanks for answering my post about further information, not sure if already asked on another thread... prices, Currently 22/02/2025 Jabiru advertise their Gen4 Four cylinder engine for $22,990 inc GST and that's AUS dollars from a AUS company so not subject to exchange rates.

 

The 100/110hp Zonsen engine, what exchange rates will the AUS dollar be up against for import and pricing?

 

What price is the 100/110hp Zonsen engine likely to sell for in AUS dollars inc GST at current exchange rates (late Feb 2025)?