Performance Data

[CDBridgesRV7A]

Good Day Folks,

I was wondering if someone might be able to point me to a thread that has already been started on this subject (as I'm sure it has). I'm looking for some general performance data for the RV-7A/RV-8A using engines ranging from 160HP up to 210HP? Speeds? fuel burn? etc.

I have found the thread in the RV-7A section that is related to this but was wondering if there were others that encompassed the specified engine HP range?

If not would some of you be so kind as to post what kind of performance data you have witnessed with your respective engines? Thanks

Cheers

Chris

[Bob Axsom]

Performance is a big field of information. I can give you a lead on speed only under race conditions, usually but not always at low altitude. Some one asked about RV-8s recently and I posted the information I gleaned from the SARL results at www.sportairrace.org. RV red class would get your 160 hps and RV blue would cover the 180 and 200 hp. RV gold covers the higher powered engines up to 390 cu. in. disp. The site doesn't give the airplane types but I have most of it if more detailed information on airplane model is important to you. Let me know if you want me to dig it out.

Bob Axsom

[Bob Axsom]

Van's advertised numbers are as good as any I would guess (they certainly were for my stock RV-6A) but here are the SARL result data on RV-7A speeds. There are 799 individual race speeds on record for all race aircraft. Each line below contains the speed rank, race, date, class (RV Blue = 360 cu. in., RV Red = 320 cu. in.), pilot, and ground speed in knots:

295 AirVenture Cup 2008 7/28/08 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 189.41
319 AirVenture Cup 2007 7/23/07 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 186.91
340 AirVenture Cup 2008 7/28/08 RV Blue RV-7A Verdier, Jean-Pierre 184.87
386 Texoma 100 2009 5/31/09 RV Blue RV-7A Williams, Rusty 181.12
405 AirVenture Cup 2010 7/26/10 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 179.97
433 Taylor 100 2007 5/20/07 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 178.27
532 Rocket 100 2009 11/22/09 RV Red RV-7A Reiley, Darrell 172.11
536 AirVenture Cup 2009 7/27/09 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 171.31
566 AirVenture Cup 2010 7/26/10 RV Blue RV-7A Vedier, Jean Pierre 168.83
574 Colorado 150 2009 7/23/09 RV Blue RV-7A Reak, Brad 168.39
588 Taylor 150 4/11/10 RV Red RV-7A Reiley, Darrell 165.94
598 Texoma 100 2009 5/31/09 RV Blue RV-7A Moore, Tom 164.78
607 Rocket 100, 2010 11/20/10 RV Blue RV-7A Hard, Jim 163.11
613 AirVenture Cup 2009 7/27/09 RV Blue RV-7A Verdier Jean-Pierre 162.28
619 AirVenture Cup 2007 7/23/07 RV Blue RV-7A Verdier, Jean-Pierre 161.02
748 Taylor 150 4/11/10 RV Blue RV-7A Jim Hard 133.88

Bob Axsom

[Steve Barnes]

Fuel burn is more from speed than engine size. You are going to pay for speed no matter what. I have a reasonably clean Super Six (300 hp) When I take a long trip and fly in loose formation with 180 to 200 hp RV's, my fuel burn is generally 2 to 5 percent more. If I was going to build another RV, I would use an IO 360 180 hp. Also a 160 hp with a CS prop. Most all RV's can get 190 mph cruise or more with a 180 hp engine.

Steve Barnes "The Builders Coach"

[David-aviator]

My 7A will top out at 202 mph (175 KTAS) at a theoretical 75% power, IO360 180 HP, 11.5 gph....cruise it at 8 gph, 53% 176 mph (152 KTAS).

[Ron Lee]

Speed data is on the Vans Aircraft website. My suggestion: minimum 180 HP. Fuel burn is a function of the throttle setting and other factors.