Building the Engine Box - 08/05/2001

MVC-200F.JPG (44685 bytes) The 1/8" light ply sides of the engine box extending through F1 into F2.  The top corner of each side is notched to fit under the top of F2.
MVC-201F.JPG (62731 bytes) The light ply sides sticking out in front of F1.  On my kit this distance was 5 7/8".
MVC-202F.JPG (44241 bytes) This is the piece of light ply (very light) that is supposed to be used for the bottom of the box.  On side is approximately 2-3 degrees off of square.  This is the "front" of the bottom plate which is supposed to fit under the firewall.  The back should be trimmed to fit up against F1 if you follow the Aeroworks instruction.
MVC-203F.JPG (44691 bytes) This is how I intend to construct the bottom of the engine mounting box.  The instructions call for simply butting the bottom up against F1 and not extending through F1 to F2 as shown here.  I just didn't like their suggested method so I decided on this instead.
MVC-216F.JPG (59378 bytes) This is a picture of the firewall before the top and bottom plates are installed.  Notice the 2-3 degree offset.
MVC-217F.JPG (47472 bytes) Another view of the firewall and sides extending through F1 to F2.
MVC-219F.JPG (47116 bytes) This view shows the bottom plate installed, and the tri-stock to strengthen the joints.  The instructions call for using spruce tri-stock behind the firewall.
MVC-220F.JPG (43852 bytes) This is the top plate.  The instructions call for mounting this plate on top of the engine box sides and then butting it up against F1.  I mounted mine between the sides and then extended it through F1, adding tri-stock behind F1 instead of in front.  I also extended the top plate to the firewall for extra strength.  This is one area you can build to suit.
MVC-222F.JPG (46317 bytes) Another view of the top plate.  Notice the firewall offset.  This is probably closer to 3 degrees.
MVC-218F.JPG (56534 bytes) These are various thickness spacers I used to mount the engine to the firewall.  From top they are 3/8", 1/4" and 1/8".  I ended up using 3/8" and 1/8" (total 1/2") on the left engine mount (as viewed from the front) and 3/8" on the right.  I slightly beveled the spacers on the left to eliminate some of the offset.