Should I buy the firewall forward kit?

szicree · #1 06-07-2007, 05:09 PM

I'm building a fixed pitch day only -4 with Superior carbed 360. Should I get a FF kit from Van's or cobble the stuff together on my own?

Mel · #2 06-07-2007, 05:26 PM

If you're a pretty good scrounger, I think you can save money by going on your own.
Of course, I'm cheap..., I mean FRUGAL!

robertahegy · #3 06-07-2007, 05:28 PM

I did and it worked well for me. It was nice having the plans and parts and not chase around on a scavenger hunt reinventing the wheel.

JMHO

Roberta

Larco · #4 06-07-2007, 05:40 PM

I've done it both ways. The FWF kit is a no brainer and is well done but it will cost more. A very personal decision I think. Larry

dan · #5 06-07-2007, 05:43 PM

If you have deviated or plan to deviate from "the norm" in terms of intake, exhaust, electrical, baffles, etc. then it may not make as much sense to go with the full FWF kit (but Van's does let you pick & choose what you want or want left out). If you intend to "stick to the program," it's a great way to go imho -- no need to reinvent the wheel. My 2 cents is...just GET IN THE AIR while the gettin is still good...and taking a "shortcut" with the FWF kit is a great way to do that.

We're having way too much fun here in SoCal and look forward to you joining us.

Build9A · #6 06-07-2007, 05:51 PM

I am a first time builder and was very intimidated by the FWF stuff. After getting the FWF kit from Vans along with their plans, it became one of the most straightforward and most satisfying parts of the building process. I installed the standard lycoming setup with no deviation from the plans. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Brian Vickers · #7 06-07-2007, 05:55 PM

Steve,
I called Van's about your thread topic over one month ago. They told me they don't sell a firewall kit for the RV4. Have you been told different?

Brian Vickers, RV4 project

szicree · #8 06-07-2007, 06:03 PM

True, they don't sell a -4 kit, but I guess I assumed they'd put one together for me. Not so I guess?

#9 06-07-2007, 06:43 PM

Brian, your -4 fuselage was looking mighty sweet on the front page! Wish my -6 had that level of fit and finish; on the positive side, it is flying :-)

Assuming there is a FWF kit for the -4, it comes down to what Dan Checkoway said - if you stay with a stock setup, or close to it, the FWF kit saves time, some money, and a lot of screwing around. My -6 ended up with a pretty sanitary FWF installation using the Van's kit. Now, as Mel says, if you have the time and knowhow to scrounge, the kit is not for you. But after 7+ years of building, when I was ready for the FWF work, I wanted to get in the air without more delay, and the FWF kit helps you do that. (And it still took 2 more years...)

JW

Brian Vickers · #10 06-07-2007, 07:35 PM

Steve & John,
Out of laziness I sort of begged them to put a kit together for me but they were not interested. Not enough demand to warrant it. They sell just about everything you need but it must be ordered a la carte. He did say there is at least one 4 builders on their staff that can help over the phone. I have been collecting parts for the eventual FWF binge. Picked up a nice set of four new Lord engine mounts on Ebay for $125 last month. I wasn't even the winning bidder. The winner flaked out and the seller sold them to me for my absentee high bid amount. They are brand new. Van's verified the correct part number for me before I bid on them.

Yes John, I agree a flying airplane is way more fun. It's just a project until it's airborne. I?ll get there!!!

Steve, keep pluggin away

Brian Vickers
Bainbridge Island, WA - RV4 project