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How far can I build without engine kit?

M

Mjjstang

Member
I know it's been discussed before but typically the discussion focuses on the emp, fuse, wing kits. Somehow I've managed to aquire all 12is kits except engine. I'd like to get as far as I can including avionics (Dynon dual) and finishing kit before I purchase engine simply because I am in no financial position to buy it yet.

I've got plenty of work with wings and assembling the large emp components left to do but would be nice if I could get a lot of the finish kit done in my spare time and then the avionics could be a good winter garage project.

I've heard about a few things that are just a lot easier and flow better with the powerplant kit on hand.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Not sure on the 12, but on the 7A, there's no reason to stop from firewall aft. Even FWF wiring can be routed through the firewall. Leave them full length. You do need the engine to install the cowl, but I know one who did it with a bad core and crank he snagged from an engine shop.
 
You can easily complete the majority of the kits without the engine. An exception would be the cowling as you use the position of the spinner to reference the final cowl position. Installing the avionics is much easier without the engine in place as you have much better access to the firewall and avionics bay.

I’d recommend not attaching the tail cone permanently until you install the fuel pumps, filters and autopilot servo. Easy to access with out the tail but requires gymnastics training after it’s on. You can Cleco the tail cone on and prep everything else associated back there.
 
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The power plant kit includes the furl pumps, which are a lot easier to mount before you mate the fuselage and the tail. You might plan on not mating those before you get the power plant (the pumps are supplied by Rotax as part of the engine - so Van's really couldn't put them in the finish kit or otherwise get them to you early.
 
Definitely want to hold off riveting the empennage onto the fuselage until you've installed the fuel pumps. I tried to get Van's to send me the fuel pumps prior to delivery of the engine, but they can't do that since the pumps are literally packed in the crate with the engine when it comes from Rotax. You should leak check the fuel lines after they're installed, even without the pumps and filters - see Bob's recent thread about fuel line leaks at the firewall fittings. I did most of the avionics installation prior to mating the emp-fuse as well, since access is greatly simplified. If you have time to kill, consider doing the canopy install if you can work in a warm environment. I saved the canopy for last and regret it (and I'm now waiting for delivery of a new canopy, which is another long, sad, and expensive story).
 
jsalley said:
Definitely want to hold off riveting the empennage onto the fuselage until you've installed the fuel pumps. I tried to get Van's to send me the fuel pumps prior to delivery of the engine, but they can't do that since the pumps are literally packed in the crate with the engine when it comes from Rotax. You should leak check the fuel lines after they're installed, even without the pumps and filters - see Bob's recent thread about fuel line leaks at the firewall fittings. I did most of the avionics installation prior to mating the emp-fuse as well, since access is greatly simplified. If you have time to kill, consider doing the canopy install if you can work in a warm environment. I saved the canopy for last and regret it (and I'm now waiting for delivery of a new canopy, which is another long, sad, and expensive story).
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Thanks for the info. Can I ask what happened by waiting to end. No to bring up sore subject but curious as to how doing earlier may benefit. Thanks.
 
Thanks everyone. So far all this info backs up the bits and pieces I'd heard about regarding fuel pumps, cowl etc. Sounds like I'll have plenty to do for a while!
 
Mjjstang said:
Thanks for the info. Can I ask what happened by waiting to end. No to bring up sore subject but curious as to how doing earlier may benefit. Thanks.
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The canopy is one of the more onerous (to me at least) tasks, with the cowlings a near second. I just wish I'd bit the bullet and got it done sooner. Since you'll have a fairly long wait for your engine, even after you order it, you should be able to get ahead of the ball somewhat by working on the canopy.
 
Built two and had the engine delivery challenge with the last. I did Everything behind the firewall including finish paint while waiting. Took extra protection at front fuselage edge when cutting and fitting cowl after engine installation with zero paint damage. Just a couple days work for powerplant kit but a couple of weeks for cowling until final painted.

Powerplant kit was supposed to crate December 2023 when bankruptcy hit. Sold my deposit at a discount to another builder and it just got delivered June 2025. To get flying bought another project and installed the unused Powerplant kit. Now been flying a year and made Oshkosh.
 

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An easier way to deal with the rudder cables. Cleco on the tail and rig the rudder cables. I did this when there was nothing in the tunnel yet. Size the links and put the cotter pins in etc. assemble completely. Then disconnect the cables from the rudder and remove the tail cone for access to the other stuff to install at the baggage bulkhead. Just coil up the rudder cables and leave them in the baggage compartment. Remember to put the strings back in place to fish them through for final assembly. Now the only connection needed is to the rudder after final assembly.
 
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