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Kit Contents
I tried to search but couldn't come up with any terms that would return what I was looking for.
I know the -14 kit uses more precise tooling in the manufacture which is a good portion of the increased cost but can someone tell me what is included in the kit that would not be in the -7/9 kits. Also is there anything that is not in the kit that is in the -7/9? Thanks in advance |
I am not sure there maybe others that will add more, but I think that you find everything in the kits to build the complete airplane. That is if you buy all the kits.
Empennage, wings, fuselage, finish and firewall forward, including the engine . I do not think the paint, nor the instruments come with the kit. But all the parts, including wiring up to the engine and instruments and exterior lights. I think you will be looking only at the basics. At least that is what I found. Now if you want to deviate from Van's parts, I had to sign a paper, stating that I am not adhering strictly to the factory build kits. So I think it includes all structural parts. |
Don't forget Firewall Forward Kit
Also be aware, strangely the Vans order sheet for RV-14 kits does not list the Firewall Forward kit (about $7,000). Maybe a lot of builders roll their own at that stage and buy custom bits and pieces, e.g. exhaust system, oil cooler, battery, etc. I would advise against it unless you're obsessed with customization. The Vans FF kit is very complete with every accessory and fastener you need. We were very satisfied with the results, and if you just have to have something different Vans will credit out what you don't want.
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Welcome
Eric, welcome to VAF:D
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If you?re asking why the empennage kit costs more for the 14 than for the other side-by-sides, I think it?s because the 14 empennage kit includes the aft fuselage (from the baggage bulkhead to the bulkhead that the vertical stabilizer spar bolts to) whereas the others do not. I think this is because the other side-by-side planes have full-length longerons (shipped in the wing kit due to length) whereas the 14 has a jigsaw puzzle of shorter longerons including a pair that go from the tail up to the roll bar and come in the empennage kit followed by four forward longerons in the fuselage kit, which bolt to the firewall and engine mount.
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The kit, if you don't exclude anything, comes with a number of parts or upgraded parts that some folks buy separately (i.e. Andair fuel valve/pump is standard). There is a number of wiring harness that is included in the kit that 7/9 does not have.
I can't think of anything that is included in a 7 that you will need to buy separate for the 14. As for the extra cost, I don't believe it is necessarily because of the more precise tooling but perhaps it is for more parts as well as a bigger plane. In another words, more aluminum will cost more. |
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I know this has been asked many times before but here goes again. Is the 14 much bigger than the 7/9. I have sat in a 7 but ave not seen or sat in a 14. I am about 6' 165lbs but I have wide shoulders and the 7 seemed a bit tight. |
14 compared to 7
I like to compare the 6/7/9 to the 14 as being like a 172 compared to a 182. The 14 is a little more than 2 inches wider but it feels cavernous compared to my 6. It also has a lot more headroom. I can barely hold my hand flat between the headset and the canopy in my 6 and in the 14 I can fit my fist between them.
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Is reduction of the time to build important to you? If so, the 14 can be built much quicker.
As an example, my RV-7A project (which I bought from the first builder), required building a new tip up canopy. I did the rebuild at Synergy Air in Eugene. It took 2 1/2 weeks with me and a very experienced Build Technician. There was another builder working on his RV-14 tip up canopy. They assembled it in one week. Very little tweaking, shimming and manipulating of the RV-14 canopy frame in comparison to the work needed on the 7. More refined kit, much better plans/work instructions, built to tighter tolerances and much less match drilling, etc. required on the 14 versus the 7. The increase in the kit cost is a value judgement and would be a personal choice. If I had it to do again, I would have built a 14 versus a 7. Using Build Assist for the entire airplane - I believe the overall cost of a 14 would not be that much greater than a 7 because of the reduction in time to build. |
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All of the pre-punching (to full size, even!) aside, the new kit has required nearly zero fabrication tasks, while the old kit was full of raw angle, bar, and plate stock. That little detail alone represents many, many hours saved over the course of the project. Size-wise, as others have said, the -14 offers quite a bit more elbow and head room vs. the -7. It also sits taller (better ground visibility) and the longeron position should offer much better flight visibility, as it minimizes/eliminates the sense of sitting down in a hole that some pilots got from the earlier SBS models. Anyway, go sit in a -14 and see what you think. Then come back and let us know your builder number! :D |
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