Firewall penetration locations for a RV-7A

[Ross7A-builder]

I have already drilled firewall penetrations per the drawings for throttle cable, etc. I also need penetrations for engine instruments and thermocouples, plus a few other wires (mostly from the ignition switch). I can ensure that they don't conflict with the engine mounting bracket. Any other advice on best location for new FW penetrations? I want to avoid baffles, etc.

 

[Desert Rat]

This is going to be somewhat specific to your installation, but I ran all that stuff through two 1" firewall passthroughs up high on the passenger side. One was for power wires and the other was for sensor wires. If you go this route you have to make sure they don't interfere with the brake reservoir or getting your battery out of the box if it's on the same side.

You might also consider running a few extra wires through and just capping them off for stuff you haven't thought of or might want add in the future.

 

[wirejock]

All the Vans penetrations were pretty accurate. If you have the elastomeric nose gear, a couple holes are slightly different. Study plans carefully. The mixture cable goes through the recess.

I didn't care for the starter contactor and fuel line. Granted, it's only hot when energized, but it's really close.

Wire paths. Same here. One each side up high. One for power. On for signals.

As far as the battery box, do yourself a favor and cut the front off then install hinge each side. Add a 1/8" or so of space at the same time. R&R of the battery is so easy. Pull the pins and the front comes off then the battery comes right out.

Check your electronics for specific components like ANLs, Shunts, etc.

 

[PaulvS]

I have already drilled firewall penetrations per the drawings for throttle cable, etc. I also need penetrations for engine instruments and thermocouples, plus a few other wires (mostly from the ignition switch). I can ensure that they don't conflict with the engine mounting bracket. Any other advice on best location for new FW penetrations? I want to avoid baffles, etc.

I used three firewall penetrations for electrical. Top left and top right for engine sensors, cht/egt and magneto P-leads and another penetration lower centre-right for wires to solenoids and panel power and alternator field wire.

The top left penetration should carry the wiring for the left side of the engine/firewall e.g. oil and fuel pressure sensors mounted on manifold, cht and egt for #2 and #4, magneto leads. The top right penetration has wires for cht and egt for #1 and #3, manifold pressure and UMA tach RPM sensor.