Rotary (Wankel)

2

American Rotary Engine /Auto PSRU’s

We’re combining these two very separate companies under one heading because they join to offer a Mazda 13B rotary engine conversion package. American Rotary builds the Wankel engines while Auto PSRU’s makes the propeller gearbox. Their long-standing offering is a 200-hp firewall-forward fitment for the RV-7.

We’ve already introduced Auto PSRU’s in this guide under our Inline and V Four-Stroke heading; American Rotary Engine is the aviation sidebar to Atkins Rotary, a hot-rod shop up to their necks in modifying and supporting Mazda Wankels for auto racers.

While American jokes that customers all want a “500-hp engine that weighs 30 pounds,” they offer up to 200-hp, naturally aspirated and turbo-normalized packages, and will support Reno racers. An aviation-specific development of theirs is a spring-loaded pop-off valve set to 4 pounds to avoid overboosting after descents or on go-arounds.

Naturally aspirated Mazda 13B in an RV-6. (Image: Atkins Rotary)
ModelDrive TypeHorsepowerWeightPrice
American Rotary Engine
2 rotor 13Bgeared180 hp @ 6000 rpm320 lb wet w/ alternator, starter, ECU, EFI and EI$20,000
Auto PSRU’s
Mazda 13Bgeared180 hp @ 7600 rpm (centrifugal clutch) 2.778:1 ratio385 lb installed, typical, complete$34,100 FF, est. call
Mazda 13B turbo-normalizedgeared200 hp @ 7600 rpm (centrifugal clutch) 2.778:1 ratio410 lb installed, typical, complete$42,700 FF, est. call

2 COMMENTS

  1. Yes, rotary (Wankel) engines are allowed and several rotary powered racers have been proposed or taken to partial completion. None, however, has actually competed to date.

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