What is the “highest” HP someone has put into a Kitfox?

[Slyfox]

One more thing to put into the fire. I would really like to do more with my kitfox but I feel limited. Why? there is nobody in my area that likes to fly like me. LOW AND SLOW. What you say, yup, most people want to go up to 2k above ground. no fun up there. I like to fly in the boonies and fly low and canyon run. haven't found anybody that likes that here. So you may aspire to fly like trent, but having a wing man I feel is very important. why? if there is trouble, there is a person to cover your back. I fly to small airports in the mountains, but I don't really like it by myself. wish I had a wing man.

[jiott]

Regarding Kitfox "acro" rating, yes the factory says not rated for aerobatics, but the SS7 IS rated for +4, -2 g's. So if you keep it within these limits the airplane doesn't know or care whether you are doing "acro" or not.

[kitfoxjim]

This summer I installed an O-360 J2A heli engine in my standard wing model 5. It's equipped with SDS ignition and fuel injection. I could very well be the high HP winner! It replaced my previous O-235 because I got a deal that I couldn't refuse. Depending on who you talk to this 360 is from 25 to 40 lbs. lighter than the standard aircraft 360.
I'm still in the experimental stage and I don't feel the 72" prop I am currently using gives me maximum performance. Having said that, it is easy to get up to Vne in level flight if you don't care about fuel consumption. This does present problems during the break-in phase where you want to run the engine hard!
Performance wise I see about 1700 fpm at 80mph and take off in about 350 ft.
My empty weight is 1010 lbs.

[jmodguy]

I have a KF5 with an an IO-340 and the FlyEFII system, cold air sump and a Whirlwind GA-200 STOL prop. Hope to fly in the spring... yeah right...
I'll be staying with the standard wing. I am considering fenced wingtips and a fence on the wing like the STi. I have the winter to get my composite work done.


Would like to hear more performance specs from Kitfoxjim!