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09-28-2016, 01:41 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Alabama
Posts: 127
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Finish Kit Options and Considerations
I have learned about some options with the parts associated with the finishing kit from being a good listener.
There are engine decisions and propeller decisions that have to be answered. But, there are other options that are not easy to find.
One individual changed out the standard canopy with a UV blocking canopy, I am sun sensitive, so I sure want that one. I cannot find that as an option in the Vans literature, so if I had not stumbled onto that, I would have never known.
Then there are the much discussed after market options like the Sam James cowl and plenum. They advertise a "overall drag reduction yields speed increases of approximately 7 to 10 mph." If this is true, the is the equivalent of the difference between 180hp and the 200 hp engine options based on the Vans performance metrics. Is this real or just marketing?
Brings up the question: What else do I not know about? Suggestions anyone?
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09-28-2016, 01:46 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dublin, CA
Posts: 1,261
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I'm just starting to think about this too. It seems there are a lot of things I need to investigate before I'll be ready to order.
__________________
Ray Tonks
2020 Donation Paid
Titan IOX-370, Dual PMAGs, 9.6:1 Pistons, FM-150
RV-7 Fuselage in progress
* Cabin Interior - In progress
RV-7 SB Wings
* Both Wings fully skinned
* Fuel Tanks Complete - No leaks finally
* Ailerons Complete
* Flaps Complete
RV-7 Empennage - Complete (a little fiberglass work left)
Vans Training Kit # 2 - Complete
RV-7 Preview Plans
Vans Training Kit #1 - Complete
EAA Sheet Metal Class - Complete
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09-28-2016, 02:58 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Gardnerville Nv.
Posts: 2,828
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there is one thread that I cant find right now, one did a before and after a SJ cowl and if I remember, he did gain 10ish MPH, I went this route and think this is a very nice quality cowl. However, I did my own Plenum...
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7A Slider, EFII Angle 360, CS, SJ.
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09-28-2016, 03:55 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 133
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This is of great interest to me as well as I am now starting to think about my finish kit. Would appreciate any and all input -
- what options did you include and why
- would you do the same again today
- which options do you wish you had ordered...
Thanks!
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Snoho3
RV-9A - Tail, wings complete
QB Fuse complete
Finish Kit in work
2019 dues+ gladly paid
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09-28-2016, 04:05 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Mahomet, Illinois
Posts: 2,195
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I don't think my bird (with SJ cowl) is any faster than other 9A's, but the cooling plenum is awesome. I NEVER have overheating or high CHT's regardless of weather. In the winter I block off the oil cooler 100% in order to get the oil temp above 170.
Another thought for finish kit is hoses. Many builders cannot use the standard length vans hoses (oil, vacuum, fuel, etc) and have to later order correct ones. I deducted them from the finish kit and ordered them as I needed ... and measured. 
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Terry Ruprecht
RV-9A Tip-up; IO-320 D2A
S. James cowl/plenum
(Dues paid thru Nov '18)
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09-28-2016, 04:26 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Mahomet, Illinois
Posts: 2,195
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Oops. Just realized the hoses are in the FF kit. Never mind. 
__________________
Terry Ruprecht
RV-9A Tip-up; IO-320 D2A
S. James cowl/plenum
(Dues paid thru Nov '18)
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09-28-2016, 05:55 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 233
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Apart from the cowl selection, the next item I am looking into is brakes and wheels/tires. I decided to use Grove brakes and wheels and also something else than stock tires.
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09-28-2016, 09:19 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Estes Park, CO
Posts: 3,947
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Canopy
Quote:
Originally Posted by BenNabors
I have learned about some options with the parts associated with the finishing kit from being a good listener.
There are engine decisions and propeller decisions that have to be answered. But, there are other options that are not easy to find.
One individual changed out the standard canopy with a UV blocking canopy, I am sun sensitive, so I sure want that one. I cannot find that as an option in the Vans literature, so if I had not stumbled onto that, I would have never known.
Then there are the much discussed after market options like the Sam James cowl and plenum. They advertise a "overall drag reduction yields speed increases of approximately 7 to 10 mph." If this is true, the is the equivalent of the difference between 180hp and the 200 hp engine options based on the Vans performance metrics. Is this real or just marketing?
Brings up the question: What else do I not know about? Suggestions anyone?
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I made some changes.
Canopy was one. I wanted the UV canopy.
Request samples from Airplane Plastics by emailing airplastic@aol.com or by calling 937-669-2677 (Becky and Jeff)
I also wanted my canopy weldments powder coated black so I ordered them bare. I will fit everything then powder coat, recheck the fit and silkaflex.
The rest was left standard to reduce homebuilder engineering. Changes always add time.
Mine was ordered IO360M1B cowl.
__________________
Larry Larson
Estes Park, CO
http://wirejockrv7a.blogspot.com
wirejock at yahoo dot com
Donated 12/03/2019, plus a little extra.
RV-7A #73391, N511RV reserved (2,000+ hours)
HS SB, empennage, tanks, wings, fuse, working finishing kit
Disclaimer
I cannot be, nor will I be, held responsible if you try to do the same things I do and it does not work and/or causes you loss, injury, or even death in the process.
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09-28-2016, 10:02 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Alabama
Posts: 127
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Sam James comparison verse Van's standard cowl
Quote:
Originally Posted by bret
there is one thread that I cant find right now, one did a before and after a SJ cowl and if I remember, he did gain 10ish MPH, I went this route and think this is a very nice quality cowl. However, I did my own Plenum...
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I think this is the discussion you spoke of: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...parison&page=5 see post #46
Thanks that is great information. If the data is correct, it makes the change in cowl a smart change as it will save fuel for the life of the plane by reduced drag. This looks like a 10% drag and thus fuel reduction.
I have seen Dan Horton's plane and seen his discussions on the forum, he seems to have a good understanding on engine cooling drag and has made changes to his cowl exit area. I need to get a Horton education.
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09-29-2016, 09:15 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: St. Paul, MN.
Posts: 4,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rupester
Oops. Just realized the hoses are in the FF kit. Never mind. 
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My suggestion would be to have Van's keep the hoses (and also any electrical cables, and I say that because of my experience with their quality. Make them yourself) and have TS Flightlines make your hoses up custom like. It's very difficult to make an out-of-the-box solution fit everything given the differences from installation to installation, especially with various exhaust line options that will require you to put your thinking cap on for the best routing.
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