Lionclaw

Well Known Member
I'm considering ordering the FWF items piecemeal, or perhaps ordering the FWF kit with many subtractions. This is due to my engine install being somewhat uncommon (320-H2AD).

1. Does Van's offer full value on item subtractions for FWF kits?

2. Are there any particular items in the FWF kit that should be avoided due to quality?

I'll probably be getting my exhaust, engine mounts, alternator, and many of the hoses separately.

Any info/advice is appreciated! If anyone has any specific FWF advice regarding the H2AD I would love to chat.
 
I ordered my FWF stuff piecemeal. I called Van's and got the FWF inventory list, deleted the items I didn't need and submitted an order for a long list of items to Vans. That was easier then dealing with placing a FWF order and deleting a bunch of items.
 
...what Rick said

Andy,

Rick has some good advise.
I did this:
deleted the exhaust (because Vetterman ran a group buy that I got in on) traded Van's gascolator and got the Andair (+$)
deleted all of the electrical kit but got Van's schematic plans to use as a guideline for wiring.
If you do anything different from the plans regarding the fuel or oil systems, then delete the hoses and figure out what lengths you need when you get ready for them. (Like I should have done :( )

The Van's FWF kit is ok if you do not deviate from the plans. You could probably save some bucks if you buy some of the stuff from other sources.

Good luck.
 
Deleted items

I deleted several items from my firewall forward kit:

deleted: VENT DL-03
planning to order instead: Aircraft Spruce part number 10350-8
reason: Failed part on N714D
reference: http://www.rvproject.com/20040503.html

deleted: EA DYNA VI-STD
planning to order instead: Lord mounts part number J-9613-40
reason: reportedly smoother running / less vibration
references: http://www.rvplane.com/?categoryid=6&dayid=619
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=21119&highlight=lord+engine+mounts

deleted: EA OIL COOLER II
planning to order instead: Stewart Warner part number 8406R
reason: More efficient cooling per Dan C.
reference: http://www.rvproject.com/20040519.html

deleted: PROP GOV MT P-860-4
planning to order instead: PCU 5000X or Woodward or Jihostroj
reason: Surging problems reported on this site with the MT governor
reference: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=13269
 
....

1. Does Van's offer full value on item subtractions for FWF kits?

.....

Andy, VANS policy certainly was quite reasonable. Since the FWF kits are discounted, you dont actually get full value because you were paying less than that. But according to Barb, and it made sense to me, you got the full discounted value. Substitutions, it appeared you paid the difference.

Hope that helps.