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-   -   Dual P-MAG Reliability in 2017 (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=154003)

RhinoDrvr 10-06-2017 07:03 PM

Dual P-MAG Reliability in 2017
 
Hello all,

So the RV-8 I just purchased has the LASAR ignition system, and unfortunately the slick mags it uses are just about to the point where they need to be overhauled. Instead of paying to overhaul the one off mags, I?m debating replacing the LASAR system. I?ve priced out 3 options.

2 Slick Mags - $2500
2 P-MAG?s - $3200
G3I Ignition - $4600

The airplane currently has an auxiliary battery, but I like an ignition that isn?t reliant on ships power, so those are my 3 options.

I like the idea of the P-MAG?s the best, but have been unable to on find any data on reliability of the new, v40 firmware, latest version of the hardware P-MAG?s. I also think the P-MAG would be the most straightforward install given the LASAR setup I would be removing already has a Manifold Pressure Line etc.

What are your thoughts?

Carl Froehlich 10-06-2017 07:43 PM

RV-8A with 700 hours on a dual pMag install. Performace has been flawless.

Carl

Ironflight 10-06-2017 07:57 PM

We went through this same thing here a couple of weeks ago. As usual, a long thread.... search for Pmag.

Bavafa 10-06-2017 07:59 PM

I had two PMAGs in my RV7A and I was running v40 which ran flawlessly for the 150 hours that I had installed the PMAGs. The installation and timing of PMAG is super easy. I saw about a gallon of fuel saving (for the same speed) up high and about .8 of a gallon of saving when I had only one PMAG.

I definitely recommend it.

Jim Kiloh 10-06-2017 08:10 PM

Pmags
 
Been running dual p-mags since first flight in 2008, flawless performance, would definately do the same again.

RhinoDrvr 10-06-2017 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight (Post 1209151)
We went through this same thing here a couple of weeks ago. As usual, a long thread.... search for Pmag.

I did a search, but wasn't able to find a good quantity of data from 2017. Most posts are with issues that folks were having in 2012-2015. My main curiosity is if all the teething issues with the P-MAG's have been fixed and if the system is reliable enough to use without a backup system in place other than an auxiliary battery.

Toobuilder 10-06-2017 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RhinoDrvr (Post 1209137)
Hello all,

...What are your thoughts?

You have a second battery already?

No contest: SDS CPI

N941WR 10-06-2017 10:27 PM

Like any thing else, a few units will suffer infant mortality, but for the most part, they are bullet proof.

Just make sure to install them per the manual.

Depending on the engine you are running, you may have to tune them to match the manufacturer's recommended timing. This is fairly easy to do.

Check your email.

RhinoDrvr 10-06-2017 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toobuilder (Post 1209171)
You have a second battery already?

No contest: SDS CPI

This sounds really dumb, but....

The control panel is hideous and I don't want it on my panel. If it could be integrated into a panel that looked more like something that belonged in an airplane I would be more interested.

The airplane currently has a really neat, well laid out steam gauge IFR panel, and I don't want to ruin that with the incredible hulk of engine monitors.

Toobuilder 10-07-2017 08:38 AM

Indeed the current gen CPI brains are "unsightly", but there is no need to have them in the panel. They can be hidden once programmed.


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