As I get ready to order my engine from Aero Sport, I need to decide if I should go with pre-installed engine heating system (Reiff). I am hoping those who have gone before me can provide some guidance.
Here are some of the factors that I think would influence the decision.
1) I am in Seattle area where winter temperatures are not too severe (in thirties mostly). However, one consideration is that I'd hate to get stranded in colder part of the country. I hoping to to do at least one cross-country in winters
2) Weight: It seems that the Reiff system is not to heavy (2 lbs I think), but still more moving parts, more wires under the cowl and thus more complexity. I do want a sporty plane so I need to think twice about adding something that I might use only a few times a year.
3) Cost: The oil sump heater is 275$ and the full pre-heat system is 525$. So the amount is non-trivial.
4) Installation: Since Aero Sport will install it for me, I am assuming the resulting installation will be reliable (and perhaps better than a retro-fit if I decided to get it later).
So I'd like to seek some advice from folks: What would you folks advice given the things I have mentioned above?
Thanks in advance,
Ashish
Here are some of the factors that I think would influence the decision.
1) I am in Seattle area where winter temperatures are not too severe (in thirties mostly). However, one consideration is that I'd hate to get stranded in colder part of the country. I hoping to to do at least one cross-country in winters
2) Weight: It seems that the Reiff system is not to heavy (2 lbs I think), but still more moving parts, more wires under the cowl and thus more complexity. I do want a sporty plane so I need to think twice about adding something that I might use only a few times a year.
3) Cost: The oil sump heater is 275$ and the full pre-heat system is 525$. So the amount is non-trivial.
4) Installation: Since Aero Sport will install it for me, I am assuming the resulting installation will be reliable (and perhaps better than a retro-fit if I decided to get it later).
So I'd like to seek some advice from folks: What would you folks advice given the things I have mentioned above?
Thanks in advance,
Ashish
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