Charlie Janes converted Auster ZK-ATO to V-8 power as Auster ZK-ATO/V8 1.
In a conventional aircraft powered by a conventional low-compression aircraft engine, the airflow through the prop would have kept the engine turning, but the V-8 had a compression ratio of more than 9-1, and the reduction drive compounded the effect.
The NZ Civil Aviation Division had insufficient staff time available to process the modification and deferred to recommendations of an approved Aeronautical Consulting Engineer, subject to technical appraisal by the CAD.
Despite all the work and testing, the costs were prohibitive and the conversion was abandoned.
All Aero 