The Corvair IFB 5th Bearing
IFB INFORMATION
IFB = Integral Front Bearing : Also commonly known as a 5th Bearing. A bearing mounted on the propeller end of a Corvair conversion engine to help support and absorb loads on the engine caused by the propeller.
Our Design = The reason our 5th bearing is called an integral front bearing is because we have integrated a steel propeller hub into the existing Corvair crankshaft. This procedure resolves many issues and simplifies the engine. Here are the Pros....
1. The Crankshaft becomes a one piece unit. Once the propeller hub is installed onto the crankshaft it is treated as one unit. This includes grinding, nitriding, polishing and installation. This eliminates the need for safety shafts and hub bolts. As a consequence it is a lighter assembly.
2. The thrust flange that carries propeller thrust loads is now located at the front of the engine, not at the rear. It is also larger in size.
3. The main bearing and seal are locally available at auto parts stores for replacement purposes and come in a variety of sizes.
4. The robust front housing is able to carry a very high load compared to any other 5th bearing design currently on the market. We will be able to use constant speed propellers on this design.
5. This design also allows us to extend the propeller forward slightly to allow for improved cooling and lower cowling drag.
6. Because of simplicity it's cost is very reasonable and actually less than others on the market.
As far as Cons.. They are relitively minor but are of importance to the dependability of the final product.
1. Has to be initially assembled in-house. Because of the nature of the front housing, it needs to be bore aligned to the case in-house. Afterwards, the case can always be dissassembled and bearings changed without disturbing the alignment. It is a simple and low cost procedure. We typically have shortblocks ready to go.
2. This may be a negative to those who have front starter setups. The IFB will only work with our rear alternator and starter setup. However, this allows the use of a 32 amp alternator and a starter setup that is easy to maintain due to off the shelf starter and ring gear. (SEE IRA) That is a PRO!
CURRENT FLIGHT HOURS ON THE IFB DESIGN: 2500 + (12/2014)
PICTURES OF IFB ASSEMBLY:
Crankshaft with CNC'd Hub installed and reground. We use existing
forged corvair crankshaft that have been magnafluxed, and inspected to
begine this process. We also have brand new counterweighted
crankshafts available in a stock and stroker version depending on
horsepower requirements.
Case with housing attached and crankshaft. The stock corvair case
has been cleaned and fitted for the IFB housing. We can paint the
case and other parts to your requirements.
Crankshaft
and Camshaft installed into case half before closing. Here you can
see the ample bearing surface and thrust flanges incorporated into the
IFB. This 5th bearing design can handle higher loads and more
safely than any other design out there. With the single piece hub
it is now "locked" into the housing - no need for safety shafts or hub
bolts. It cannot come loose. The front bearing and seals are
from a Chevrolet 350 V8 - a common off the self item. See Video...IFB
Teaser
A finished
short-block all torqued and ready to ship. It includes the rebuilt case,
crankshaft, a new camshaft and gear, plus all new bearings.
A typical Shortblock assemble costs about $2600.00. Call about
more information.
Noteworthy: The prototype of this 5th bearing design we made is still flying today. It first saw service in 2007 and has hundreds of hours on that airframe. Since then there have been several aircraft in service that are flying with the IFB Conversion with no failures to date. Because of its design it can be maintained on the field with no need to return to Azalea Aviation. Due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness we decided some time ago that all our engines will come equipped with the IFB.
Picture of Our Spyder 100 HP IFB Corvair Conversion Engine installed on a Zenith 750 display. The IFB allows the use of our cooling plenums and makes a clean, simple installation possible.
The IFB was designed and prototyped in 2008. The first flight engine with the IFB is still in service with several hundred hours on it. This design has been Patent Pending. We will protect our design rights. For more information about our IFB products or products in general please contact us directly at Azalea Aviation.
Our Saberwing IFB Installation
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