Saville
Well Known Member
Hi all!
I'm in the market for a pre-built RV-4 or RV-8. I have certain irreducible minimums (180hp, C/S prop, day/night VFR). I'm looking for an airplane with good structural and engine bones, but my thinking is that the instrumentation can be minimal and steam because before too long I'd want to re-do the cockpit and go glass. I'd rather save money on the instrumentation when I buy and then upgrade with the newest systems later. Also, a steam gauge system is better because I'd rather not have a middle age glass system.
But I wonder how sensible these ideas are and I have a few basic questions. So I came to the best RV web page I know::
Is there a book that discusses this transition, that is good?
Do you end up saving weight over a vaccuum pump driven, steam gauge system?
Do you end up saving complexity over a vaccuum pump driven, steam gauge system?
Aside from money, is there substantial differences in the amount of work if I go IFR glass vs VFR glass?
Can you build and do substantial testing of the new panel outside of the a/c? I'd like to be able to fly it as much as possible before grounding the plane for the final installation and test.
How much work is it, really?
I once considered buying a plane with an O-320 F/P prop and then upgrade later but it turns out that you often have to do substantially more work than I imagined - such as possible substantial cowl work. That's in addition to the other things like installing a MAP gauge and running the prop control back to the cockpit etc. So I gave up on that idea.
I'm wondering if this instrumentation idea of mine is reasonable.
Any insight into this would be welcome and appreciated.
thanks!
I'm in the market for a pre-built RV-4 or RV-8. I have certain irreducible minimums (180hp, C/S prop, day/night VFR). I'm looking for an airplane with good structural and engine bones, but my thinking is that the instrumentation can be minimal and steam because before too long I'd want to re-do the cockpit and go glass. I'd rather save money on the instrumentation when I buy and then upgrade with the newest systems later. Also, a steam gauge system is better because I'd rather not have a middle age glass system.
But I wonder how sensible these ideas are and I have a few basic questions. So I came to the best RV web page I know::
Is there a book that discusses this transition, that is good?
Do you end up saving weight over a vaccuum pump driven, steam gauge system?
Do you end up saving complexity over a vaccuum pump driven, steam gauge system?
Aside from money, is there substantial differences in the amount of work if I go IFR glass vs VFR glass?
Can you build and do substantial testing of the new panel outside of the a/c? I'd like to be able to fly it as much as possible before grounding the plane for the final installation and test.
How much work is it, really?
I once considered buying a plane with an O-320 F/P prop and then upgrade later but it turns out that you often have to do substantially more work than I imagined - such as possible substantial cowl work. That's in addition to the other things like installing a MAP gauge and running the prop control back to the cockpit etc. So I gave up on that idea.
I'm wondering if this instrumentation idea of mine is reasonable.
Any insight into this would be welcome and appreciated.
thanks!
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