Zenith Aircraft Company recommends the 80-hp Rotax 912 or the 100-hp Rotax 912S as the standard powerplant for both the ZODIAC CH 601 series and the STOL CH 701. The new 912 S is a 100 HP* version of the certified 81 HP 912 engine, with the same external dimensions as the standard Rotax 912.

Click here for details on the 100-HP Rotax 912S model

Manufactured by Bombardier's Rotax subsidiary, the Rotax 912 is a new-generation light aircraft engine. The engine is FAA-certified in the United States (though builders of experimental aircraft typically install the non-certified model, the Rotax 912 UL).

The 80-hp Rotax 912 is a lightweight, four-cylinder, four-cycle aircraft engine:

Description of Design: Click here for a detailed specification page on the Rotax 912 (pdf doc)

• 4-stroke, 4 cylinder horizontally opposed, spark ignition engine, one central camshaft, pushrods, OHV.
• Liquid cooled cylinder heads, ram air-cooled cylinders
• Dry sump forced lubrication
• Dual breakerless, capacitor discharge ignition
• Prop drive via reduction gear with integrated shock absorber.
• Integrated AC generator
• Electric Starter
• Mechanical (engine driven) fuel pump
• Engine TBO (Time Between Overhaul): 1,500 hours

Technical Data

Bore:	79.5 mm.	Click here for a detailed schematic view
Stroke:	61 mm.
Displacement:	1211 cu.cm. (73.9 cu.in.)
Compression:	9:1
Engine Weight:	123.5 lbs.. 56 kg.
DC Output:	14 V / 250 W
Carburetor:	Bing (dual)
Power Rating:	80 hp (59 kW) @ 5500 RPM
Fuel burn @ 75%:	4.3 US gph
Max. cont. RPM:	5500 rpm
Fuel:	Automotive or 100 LL Avgas

Zenith Aircraft Company supplies complete firewall-forward packages for the Rotax 912 powerplant installation, including the engine, engine mount, fiberglass engine cowl, exhaust system, liquid cooling system, electrical system, propeller, all all other accessories (available only to builders of Zenith Aircraft kits).

Zenith Aircraft Company supplies a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system with its Rotax 912 firewall-forward kits.  The high-quality exhaust system is developed to provide years of maintenance-free operation,  and is custom-made for the ZODIAC series and the STOL CH 701.

Rotax 912 Installation Tips & Techniques instructional DVD from HomeBuiltHELP.com

For more information on Rotax engines:

• Click here for a detailed specification page on the Rotax 912 (pdf doc)
• Click here for a detailed specification page on the Rotax 912S (pdf doc)
• Click here for a detailed schematic view of the Rotax 912 (pdf doc)
• Rotax 912S (100-hp) Engine - info on the new 100-hp Rotax 912S
• Kodiak Research Ltd. - North American Distributor.  Visit this site for the latest info from Rotax and more engine information.
• Rotax Owners Association News - Service information for Rotax engines.
• http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com (official Austrian site)
• STOL CH 701: Engine Information
• ZODIAC: Engine Information
• Photos of ZODIAC Engine Installations
• Photos of STOL CH 701 Engine Installations

Information provided by Bombardier-Rotax GMBH. Subject to change or revision without notice.

The above resources are provided for informational purposes only. Alternative engines will affect performance, specifications and flight characteristics of the aircraft. Also, the weight and balance of the aircraft may be adversely affected by alternative engines, and the original fuel system may not be adequate or suitable for some engines. Most alternative engines will require a custom engine mount and engine cowl. Zenith Aircraft Company does not manufacture or directly support engines.

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© Zenith Aircraft Company
2006-01-11