Aluminum throttle and mixture brackets?

rv8ch · #1 10-13-2012, 10:50 AM

The brackets that came with the FWF kit are all steel, but won't work right with my superior cold air intake and my AFP fuel system. I fabbed up some aluminum brackets out of 0.125" 6061 angle initially as a model for the steel, but they seem pretty stocky. Anyone see an issue with using aluminum for this application? Thanks for your feedback.

ChiefPilot · #2 10-13-2012, 10:52 AM

The aluminum will be more susceptible to cracking, and this is an area where you don't want to have anything loose and shaking around. I'd suggest a steel bracket for this reason.

N427EF · #3 10-13-2012, 11:30 AM

AFP supplies aluminum brackets for the mixture and throttle installation.
I fabricated additional parts out of aluminum (.125) to adapt to my installation.
My RV8 had 450 hours after 6 years of flying and no cracks on any parts,
Same for my RV-10.
Keep the brackets as short as possible and brace them if needed.
The engine is built of aluminum too and I don't mean to downplay the concern for a safe installation.

Mel · #4 10-13-2012, 11:40 AM

when Van's didn't supply anything forward of the firewall, I fabbed all my brackets out of aluminum angle and sheet.
20 years later I have no cracks.