Clutton (UK)

Clutton engines are Vokswagen conversions built by Eric Clutton of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK. Eric Clutton is well known as the designer and developer of the light aircraft FRED (Flying Runabout Experimental Design) and E.C.2 (Easy Too), although the E.C.2 does not seem to have been built. His interest in VW conversions was to develop rpm reduction techniques to enable VW engines to deliver more power at higher rpm, of which they are capable in their original automobile usage. Clutton remains active in light aircraft and model aviation in the US and lives in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Two links are Eric Clutton's Website and a FRED Website.


O-91 - - {3.268 / 2.717 / 91.2} / {83 / 69 / 1493}

4cyl; Clutton 1500cc Geared Conversion #1; 66hp@4800rpm (projected); 1968-1973; Wt = 200#.
Carbureted, with an SU Zenith, dual-ignition engine geared to 0.5 by a toothed belt drive and with provision for carburetor heat. Twin Scintex Vertex impulse magnetos were driven by another toothed belt at the rear of the engine. Although 3750rpm was the greatest achieved in flight, aircraft performance was deemed satisfactory and weight savings from lighter reduction materials were envisioned.
BGP; J69-70toJ77-78; SA6/77.
Applications: (UK) Clutton FRED Series 2.

4cyl; Clutton 1500cc Geared Conversion #2; N/Ahp@N/A rpm; 1969-1973; Wt = N/A.
As Conversion #1 but with gearing to 0.5 by helical automotive gears. Dual Lucas SR4 magnetos were chain-driven off the clutch end of the crankshaft.
BGP; J69-70toJ77-78.
Applications: (UK) Clutton FRED Series 2.

4cyl; Clutton 1500cc Geared Conversion #3; N/Ahp@N/A rpm; 1969-1973; Wt = N/A.
As Conversion #2 but with mechanical gearing to 0.5 on the clutch end and the carburetor below the crankcase.
BGP; J69-70toJ77-78.
Applications: (UK) Clutton E.C.2 (designed but not built), FRED Series 2.

4cyl; Clutton 1500cc Geared Conversion #4; N/Ahp@N/A rpm; 1973-1978; Wt = 210#.
Cost of the mechanical gearboxes was unacceptable, so a return was made to a multiple vee-belt drive, which is located on the bell-housing end of the engine. Savings of up to 30# from use of lighter materials were envisioned to reduce the weight, but development soon ceased.
BGP; J73-74toJ77-78; SA6/77.
Applications: (UK) Clutton FRED Series 2.


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Updated 8/8/05