Carl, do you remember the sizes used to build this up? Also, I see you paint your "special" tools red. I do the same.
Here are some thought assuming you are building for an IFR cross country mission. If not, then pick out what you want.
- The one big mistake I made on my first build (8A) was to use a FP prop. At 300 hours I replaced it with the nice Hartzell, two blade CS prop. It totally transformed the plane.
- Yes, do exactly as Dan Horton lays out on firewall insulation. For your RV-8 don’t forget to replace the aluminum exit ramp with a piece of 0.015” SS.
- Opt for the milled airfoil aluminum gear legs.
- Assuming you are getting the IO-360-M1B, specify the AirFlow Performance FM-150C.
- I now use the B&C 60 amp alternator, and am currently flying with the Monkworkz 30 amp generator on the vacuum pad. Note - the Monkworkz is installed in the backup mode. The function is to replace the primary alternator if it fails - as in support getting home. This is vastly different than common thought on having the backup alternator be your savior if you have any electrical fault.
- Dual battery setup (to mitigate all the other electrical system failure risks). For the RV-8, one PC-625 mounted in the forward baggage well and one mounted in the standard aft location provides for a nice W&B, assuming using a 180hp IO-360 and the two blade Hartzell BA prop.
- I used the PCU-5000EX governor on all four builds.
- On the cowl the side pins go in from the cabin, not the front of the cowl. I like the look.
- On the cowl top pins I use 1/8” SS pins but taper the last 10” or so down so that they make the curve. This helps eliminate the top cowl expanding out while flying because of the slack between the 1/8” hinge and the smaller, per plans pins.
- I would not use baffles again. I’d go back to using a plenum like I did on the RV-10. Note - this does add a lot of extra work and the gain is small.
- I fill in the end ribs on all control surfaces and wing tips. This is strictly cosmetic.
- On the new RV-10 project I’m moving away from the AEROLED NAV/Strobes and FlyLED landing/taxi lights to “The Works” from FlyLED.
- Dynon heated Pitot, pitot mast and static system kit. Easy peasy.
- The panel is something you need to carefully consider - in terms of maintenance and changes. It is easy to build so it can be removed and worked on the bench. Panel mods come along much more than most think. On my first build (8A) it is now on panel #6 (first flight 2001). The RV-10 (first flight 2012) first panel mod was at 18 months, and is now on panel #3. If you build your own panel you can incorporate this feature. If you buy it you will need to negotiate with the avionics shop. You never want to be on your back with your head under the panel.
Carl
Same here - the instrument panel is so easy to remove, and you get full and easy access to everything from there. I can't see any need to go in through the baggage area....
I did the ‘panel back access’ mod on mine panel. I’m not sure I’d do that one again, but since my RV-8 is still in progress, I really haven’t needed that access for maintenance or anything like that. I really haven’t needed access there as part of the build. Perhaps I’ll appreciate it later.
Carl, do you have any details on this?
* For your RV-8 don’t forget to replace the aluminum exit ramp with a piece of 0.015” SS I assume you are referring to F-867A-1?
Easy. I piece of 0.015” SS from McMaster and use the kit provided aluminum exit ramp as a template to make a new one. Use the same high temp silicon joint compound that you used on the firewall FiberFraz and SS clad edges on the ramp edges. Do not paint.
Carl
Same as the reason to put FireFrax on the firewall, buy you a few more minutes to survive the fuel fed fire after you isolate the fuel supply. All those flames will follow the engine air exhaust path right to the ramp under your feet. At that point the aluminum ramp is a liability. Replace it with SS.And what is the objective for this mod?
What mods have you done that are worth repeating or forgetting if you were doing a second build (and why)?