Which comes first the Engine or the Avionics?

Flyguytki · #1 12-07-2011, 01:32 AM

So when I return back to the states it look like I will have a fair amount of cash in hand. My debate comes in which should I order first knowing that the other will not come for a year or so later?

A. Finishing Kit, Aerosport IO-360 M2S, with vetterman Exhaust, Catto 3 Blade prop, Vans Firewall Forward Kit, Sam James Cowl and Plenum

B. Finishing Kit, Full Complete Panel with all wiring needed, Full Classic Aero Aviators Interior Kit, and all remaining accessories minus the engine prop and FWF Kit.

I understand that both will take some time to get completed which will allow me to build the funds for the other option but which could I benifit more from, Should the Engine come first or should I hold off on the engine and make it the very last thing to be installed prior to completion?

Thanks for all the help guys, you cant get this type of knowledge or experience anywhere else.

-david

FlyingArcher · #2 12-07-2011, 01:42 AM

My vote would go for A.

If for whatever reason you don't have the expected funds in the future, making cheap and simple panel and interior will allow you to fly anyway.

With option B, you'd be with an engineless Lexus

Andy Hill · #3 12-07-2011, 02:45 AM

A also since it is also a lot more work - and if that takes some time to complete, the avionics scene will have moved on. There is a lot of glass and other work getting all those components to fit together.

Fitting avioncs / wiring is quite a short amount of work, if well planned out (like a few days).

Andy

rzbill · #4 12-07-2011, 04:39 AM

Avionics corrode slower than engines.

Buy avionics.

In regards to obsolescense, its no different than buying any newfangled electronic item.
By the time you get it home, its obsolete. However, the functionality that caused you to buy the item in the first place has not changed. Choose and be happy. Anything you buy will be better than what you rent.

Andy,
I challenge the "few days" comment. Panel fabrication and wiring added close to a year to my project. I imagine the average will be somewhere between us.

rleffler · #5 12-07-2011, 05:00 AM

I went with an approach similiar to Option A.

You need the engine to work on the cowl. Thel cowl and FWF will take longer than the panel and interior.

Don't buy avionics too far in advance. They are changing at a rapid rate. Imagine how all the folks that bought a 430W last June felt when Garmin announced the GTN-650.

I had decided on an EFIS vendor and was convinced for three years I had made the coirrect decision. Things change and I'm in the process of installing a competitors EFIS. I got a deal I couldn't refuse, but if I had pre-purchased the EFIS I wouldn't have been able to take advantage of the deal that I got.

bob

Bastien · #6 12-07-2011, 05:24 AM

I bought the engine first and next the avionics, I think it is the best choice as avionics evolve a lot and engines don't.
If you dry the engine dehydrator plugs when they turn pink, I think you can keep the engine in the garage without corrosion risks.

Flyguytki · #7 12-07-2011, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bastien

I bought the engine first and next the avionics, I think it is the best choice as avionics evolve a lot and engines don't.
If you dry the engine dehydrator plugs when they turn pink, I think you can keep the engine in the garage without corrosion risks.

Would this be the same for living in one of the most rain stricken cities in the Country? We have alot of moisture in seattle and unprotected metal turns to rust pretty quickly. As long as the engine is pickled and the plugs are dried on a regular basis I would imagine things would stay rust free. Any thoughts?

-david

chaskuss · #8 12-07-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyguytki

Would this be the same for living in one of the most rain stricken cities in the Country? We have a lot of moisture in Seattle and unprotected metal turns to rust pretty quickly. As long as the engine is pickled and the plugs are dried on a regular basis I would imagine things would stay rust free. Any thoughts?
david

David,
See

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ill+engine+oil

Brantel · #9 12-07-2011, 06:08 AM

Engine first since they don't hardly ever change and it can be pickled. Just don't start it till there is a reason to.

Avionics change so rapidly and are getting cheaper all the time...buy them as late as you can.

Vlad · #10 12-07-2011, 06:22 AM

Buy new engine and put airframe on it

You did your share of button pushing in -stan enjoy pure flying. Add avionics later if you have needs and funds.Or just buy a flying modest RV and build your dream. Just thinking out of the box.
Thanks for your service.