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Is it needed? No. Particularly for a builder that can resist adding a lot of un-needed weight (full leather interior, etc.) The 390 was chosen because of the desire to design a larger 2 place SBS RV (with more range, baggage space, etc.) but still have about the same overall performance as an RV-7. If you desire that, then the full 210 HP is needed. BTW, in reality the IO-390 is about 15 HP more.... my understanding is that even though the IO-360 is rated at 200 HP, a stock, unmodified one will usually dyno at about 195 HP. But if that level of power will meet your needs, the angle valve IO-360 will be a good engine choice. Without making some other changes to compensate for W&B, a lighter weight prop (particularly on the slightly lighter IO-360) will cause some loss in utility in regards to your ability to fill that larger baggage compartment. |
I am a rocket guy and the first time I saw the RV14 I said to myself that I wanted one with a 540. There is a considerable difference in the fuselage structure between a RV4 and a rocket to accommodate the extra weight of the 540. I eagerly awaited the RV14 fuselage kit, hoping that it contained RV10 structural parts in the fuselage/firewall area. It does not. The structure is very sturdy looking but would not in my opinion support the extra weight of a 540.
Of course anything can be modified but this would be a major step, one that I am not prepared to do with this well designed aircraft. The kit is a marvellous step forward in the RV series in terms of part quality and ease of assembly. Basically there is not much "building" going on in this kit, it is an out of the box part A fits part B kit. My rulers and sharpies are parked on the window sill, never needed. My tin snips get rusty waiting for something to cut. Edge finishing is likely the most labour intensive part of the project. This is not to say that the edges are rough, they are not, they are very precise, but they still have to be cleaned up and there are a lot of edges. Perhaps the next evolution of the kit will have polished edges included....., man, am I getting lazy. |
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