AIO-360 in RV-8
Gentlemen of The Air Force; Thank you kindly for your advice and counsel in regards to my eventual engine choice. I respect and value your suggestions, as the collective experience is truly vast. The airplane which the engine is attached to is an awesome Pitts S2A that has been in this area since new, and belonged to two departed friends of mine; one a WWII P-51 driver. It is a bit of an heirloom, and I've come to the conclusion that I cannot disgrace it, nor the spirit of my departed fellow aviators, by removing its motor. I've come to learn a great deal from this marvelous little flying machine, not the least of which is humility.
I think now the best way is the 180 HP engine, especially in view of the CG. I'm looking for extra range, such as with the tubular wing tanks along the spar, as I envision adventures far and wide. The finer details on ignition, carburation vs injection, etc., will come with time, visits to fly-ins, and the daily pleasure of perusing this site. It has become a pleasant addiction.
Paul: Congratulations on finding romance. Interesting how all things appear fresh and vibrant when love again finds us.... I went ahead and took the second plunge with a wonderful woman who loves me as I am; including my many passions. She has given me a beautiful 6-year-old princess who just loves to come out to the hangar and help me with the RV.
John Huft: We now fly fully clothed, as we had a bit of a problem with one of the Commandantes in Mexico who thought we were a bit underdressed for the visit to his office. Those Skywagon forays into the hinterlands pegged our fun meters to the max! I've tamed it down a bit.
Mr. Mannan, RV8squaz, et al.: Thank you also... If you come to LOA this year, I live at TA-50, right down the hill from 5T6. "Mi casa es su casa"
Tom Navar
RV-8 QB
Pitts S2A
Cessna 180