dodgeram2500
Member
G'day RV specialists.
I have ordered an 8 empennage, completed the toolbox kit (even ordered a second one, lol), and am currently setting up my hangar for the "Big Build." I'm built like an offensive lineman at 6' 290bs and 42" waist. Shoulder room is important for this build, and so are c of g considerations. My mission is to have a VFR time machine that is fun and includes the odd aileron roll. I thought about the -14 but meh....I want tandem seating and efficiency.
Here is where I'm not flexing:
Priming - Nope. Not doing it. I want to keep the airplane as light as possible and I don't feel priming is worth the extra time investment. My 1969 Cherokee isn't primed, has sat outside a lot and is truckin' along just fine. I'll prime the non alclad stuff.
Showplanes Fastback - This is a must for a "big build." Extra shoulder room, better vis, less drafty for the ol' lady, done and done.
Prop - Fixed pitch due to cost and simplicity. I am undecided on metal vs composite ground adjustable however. I know that composite is much (20ish lbs) lighter but I also know that where the weight is is important. In the rv8 the pilot sits aft of the CofG...maybe a heavy prop would be a good way to balance this aircraft out?
Battery - Up front in my case!
Where I need your help:
Engine choice - I'm torn between a 175hp IO-340 and a 180hp IO 360. I want to run 91 mogas so 8.5:1 is my comfortable compression limit. I understand that the 340 uses a 320 mount which is further forward than that of a 360. With all else equal will a light 320 installation have the same W/B moment arm as a 360 installation because of the difference in engine mount length? I'm leaning towards a 360 due to it's availability...I can piece one together from a core or buy a kit engine. The 340 is a little more of a one off, and probably less durable. Thoughts?
Landing gear - I see that grove isn't listing landing gear on their site anymore... Maybe the heavy steel gear is better in my case? Is the sky designs gear tougher than stock or just lighter? I'm trying to decide if its worth the $$$
Anything else you can think of? How would you set up a "big 8" build?
I have ordered an 8 empennage, completed the toolbox kit (even ordered a second one, lol), and am currently setting up my hangar for the "Big Build." I'm built like an offensive lineman at 6' 290bs and 42" waist. Shoulder room is important for this build, and so are c of g considerations. My mission is to have a VFR time machine that is fun and includes the odd aileron roll. I thought about the -14 but meh....I want tandem seating and efficiency.
Here is where I'm not flexing:
Priming - Nope. Not doing it. I want to keep the airplane as light as possible and I don't feel priming is worth the extra time investment. My 1969 Cherokee isn't primed, has sat outside a lot and is truckin' along just fine. I'll prime the non alclad stuff.
Showplanes Fastback - This is a must for a "big build." Extra shoulder room, better vis, less drafty for the ol' lady, done and done.
Prop - Fixed pitch due to cost and simplicity. I am undecided on metal vs composite ground adjustable however. I know that composite is much (20ish lbs) lighter but I also know that where the weight is is important. In the rv8 the pilot sits aft of the CofG...maybe a heavy prop would be a good way to balance this aircraft out?
Battery - Up front in my case!
Where I need your help:
Engine choice - I'm torn between a 175hp IO-340 and a 180hp IO 360. I want to run 91 mogas so 8.5:1 is my comfortable compression limit. I understand that the 340 uses a 320 mount which is further forward than that of a 360. With all else equal will a light 320 installation have the same W/B moment arm as a 360 installation because of the difference in engine mount length? I'm leaning towards a 360 due to it's availability...I can piece one together from a core or buy a kit engine. The 340 is a little more of a one off, and probably less durable. Thoughts?
Landing gear - I see that grove isn't listing landing gear on their site anymore... Maybe the heavy steel gear is better in my case? Is the sky designs gear tougher than stock or just lighter? I'm trying to decide if its worth the $$$
Anything else you can think of? How would you set up a "big 8" build?