RV-14 QB Fuselage Modifications for -119EXP Engine

[Meat]

Hi All,

After reviewing Section OP-62 on the IO-390-EXP119 engine installation it looks like modifications are needed to QB fuselages. Specifically, along the lower forward firewall to modify cowl plates and shims. And along the tunnel area to add 10 nutplates to mount the cooling flap assembly. These areas already come completed in the QB fuselage so approximately 30 rivets will need to be drilled out to complete these changes. The affected KAI Sections are in 28 and 45.

I wanted to hear from anyone that's completed those modifications to a QB fuselage related to OP-62. How big a hassle was it and were there any gotchas along the way to be aware of? I'm trying to decide if the benefits and expense of using the -EXP119 engine are outweighed by the hassle and time to make the required modifications on a QB fuselage. Thanks for everyone's time.

Scott Davis
RV-14 #140702
Fuselage/Wings done
Waiting on Finishing Kit

[Ron B.]

After building both models ( slow build) , that’s all that I can think of that would be different.

[SteveHicks]

I have been building a slow build, but had effectively built the fuselage to QB status prior to ordering the EXP119. The changes required are easy to accomplish ... see my blog post pictures here for the cowling flap, and here for the lower cowling support plates.

[Meat]

Originally Posted by SteveHicks

I have been building a slow build, but had effectively built the fuselage to QB status prior to ordering the EXP119. The changes required are easy to accomplish ... see my blog post pictures here for the cowling flap, and here for the lower cowling support plates.

Thanks so much Steve for your time and the link/photos of your project. I thought I'd get more responses to my query. I know many RV-14s being built today are QB fuselages using the -119 EXP engine and wanted to see how others were handling the mods. The photos are super helpful to visualize it all.

Cheers,
Scott

[Jetmart]

I put on the cowl cooling flap on a QB with a non EXP engine that I had already decided to go with the dual Vetterman exhausts. The drilling out of the rivets and adding nut plates for the cowl flap was very easy to do. I imagine the other modifications required would be similar.

[Swiss14A]

Hi Scott
We did the EXP mods to a quickbuild fuselage. Very easy to do and not much work required. We trimmed the shims with a Dremel, that was easy. And we are quite experts in drilling out rivets by now, so also no problem if that is your only concern, go for the EXP!!
Cheers
Fabian

[Jumpbat74]

Just complicated it on a quick build fuse. It was very easy. Just complete it all before installing the engine mount. Though not required use of a nutplate jig from the Yard Store has made drilling holes for nutplates, like those required for the tunnel cover, accurate and stress free.

[rockitdoc]

I did a slo build fuse and was consternated that I would have to 'unbuild' the bottom portion to accommodate the cowl flap door. But, it took less than a day to complete. Requires two people, though. Reaching the rivets on the inside aft tunnel is the normal challenge for the bucking bar person. All the others are simple. Getting the fuse in the air helps the riveter on the bottom.

[Meat]

Thanks so much for everyone's reply to my query. OP-62 doesn't mention it but how did you handle the two F-1465 Muffler Hanger Angles in the tunnel that are attached in Section 28? My QB fuse came with them installed. It's not clear if they'd interfere with the -EXP Tunnel Cover and Tunnel Exit Door assembly. The 3 options appear to be: Leave them installed (Maybe bend them upward a bit). Cut them out but leave the mounting flanges installed (Steel so it would take a while). Lastly, remove them both completely (which would be a bitch since the rivet shop heads are totally hidden).

Thanks for your time. It's very appreciated.

Cheers,
Scott

[SteveHicks]

As installed the F-1465 Muffler Hanger Angles did interfere slightly with the F-14190 Closeout Assembly on my plane.
The least invasive way to solve the issue was to bend the lower portion of each angle upwards, allowing enough clearance to ensure no contact if the panel was to vibrate/move slightly ...