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-   -   Engine and avionics from my Tri-Pacer (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=182233)

davidschmaus 05-08-2020 04:56 PM

Engine and avionics from my Tri-Pacer
 
First time post. I own a 57 Tri-Pacer with a 500 SMOH 0320, Stratus ADSB, Dual G5's, Garmin GNC 355 and Aerospace Logic Fuel and Voltmeter. It's a 125MPH Plane at 9gph

I am totally enjoying it now but my wife and I really like to travel and that is its primary use. Will want something faster.

I had a thought of building a 9A over the next 2 years while we continue to enjoy the Tri-Pacer and then use the 0320 and avionics for the Vans.

Is this possible/practical?




Mel 05-08-2020 05:04 PM

Using the engine and avionics will work fine. The prop will probably not be practical because of the speed range of the RV.

Tankerpilot75 05-08-2020 05:26 PM

That’s such a beautiful Tri-Pacer that I would hate to see you strip it down. Why don’t you sell it and use the proceeds to fund a new engine and avionics? You can finance the build and then reduce the borrowing once you’ve sold your older plane.

And frankly I would build the RV14A (Quick build). It’s roomier and I suspect a little faster. It’s also a faster and easier build from what I hear.

davidschmaus 05-08-2020 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tankerpilot75 (Post 1428635)
That?s such a beautiful Tri-Pacer that I would hate to see you strip it down. Why don?t you sell it and use the proceeds to fund a new engine and avionics?

Thank you! That was the original plan and still might be the route I go.

N941WR 05-08-2020 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tankerpilot75 (Post 1428635)
That?s such a beautiful Tri-Pacer that I would hate to see you strip it down. Why don?t you sell it and use the proceeds to fund a new engine and avionics? You can finance the build and then reduce the borrowing once you?ve sold your older plane.

And frankly I would build the RV14A (Quick build). It?s roomier and I suspect a little faster. It?s also a faster and easier build from what I hear.

I agree, sell the PA22 and put the money towards your -9A.

While the 14A is quicker to build and roomier, it may not be any faster. What it is, is a LOT more expensive to build! Figure close to $150K for the 14A where as the -9A will cost right around $100K, less if you can find some good deals on the engine, instruments, etc.

davidschmaus 05-08-2020 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N941WR (Post 1428642)
I agree, sell the PA22 and put the money towards your -9A.

While the 14A is quicker to build and roomier, it may not be any faster. What it is, is a LOT more expensive to build! Figure close to $150K for the 14A where as the -9A will cost right around $100K, less if you can find some good deals on the engine, instruments, etc.

The 14 is really nice but that is exactly my thought. I was thinking more like 170K for a IFR 14A.

I have a free engine and avionics already. ;)

Scott Hersha 05-08-2020 06:57 PM

That is an awesome looking Tripacer. It seems like it would be worth more as is than the value of it?s avionics (much lower in a couple years when you have finished your new RV7 and want new modern stuff), and the airframe stripped of its non-standard panel. Somebody buying that stripped tripacer would have to find some now outdated avionics to replace the (now outdated) avionics that you removed. If you decide to build a plane, don?t buy any avionics until it?s almost ready to fly. Something better/cheaper will come along before you are ready to fly your new kit plane. If you can afford to do this, then more power to you, but from an out of pocket cost point of view, it?s pretty hard to beat that upgraded Tripacer you have. Do the math on the time difference on your typical trip and then consider the value of the time spent enroute.
I know the RV is a wonderful airplane, but measure the time value of the extra $70K+ you will have to spend. I don?t count the 1500-2000 hours of labor you will have to provide because it is an enjoyable learning experience for most of us. After owning the RV7 for a few years, you can still probably sell it for the cost of the parts you paid to build it. Labor will have to be its own reward.
Good luck with your choice. The Tripacer is a milk stool, but yours might be the nicest milk stool I have ever seen.

David Paule 05-08-2020 07:03 PM

I suspect that when you get closer to needing to install avionics, that you'd then prefer to get the new stuff.

While the engine might be fine for an RV, the baffles, air box, exhaust, etc., might not be. Worth checking out as they all add up.

Sure, the performance and ease of building a -14a is better than a -9a, but the cost is way, way higher. I'd rather have the -9a as being a more straightforward thing to get at this stage. Also considerably more efficient.

What would you do with the stripped Tri Pacer? You've got a nice one. Why not keep it and you'd have something to fly while you're building, then sell it and buy an engine and avionics. The cost might not differ by much and a good Tri Pacer will still be around.

Dave

Scott Hersha 05-08-2020 08:01 PM

I?ve seen your Tripacer before. Don?t know if it was at Lee Bottom or Morraine - second pic? But it?s a nice one.

Mike S 05-08-2020 08:12 PM

Welcome to VAF
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by davidschmaus (Post 1428628)
First time post.

David, welcome aboard the good ship VAF:D


Quote:

Originally Posted by davidschmaus (Post 1428628)
I had a thought of building a 9A over the next 2 years while we continue to enjoy the Tri-Pacer and then use the 0320 and avionics for the Vans.

Is this possible/practical?

Possible, sure. Practical-----that is the real question. Practical is pretty much a subjective thing for each person.

How about building the 9a over the next couple years, then sell the milk stool and use the proceeds toward the engine and panel?? Methinks a flying plane will be worth more that the value of a used engine and avionics for the RV plus the $$ you can get for a hulk that has been picked over.

Just my $0.02



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