I'm currently building an RV-12iS and just as I think about paint schemes often, I've also been contemplating installing the ULS motor instead of the iS version. With some recent discussion on electric fuel pump failures, and multiple attempts at replacing the pumps combined with the much more difficult accessibility vs. the ULS configuration, it's prompted me to actually write out my thoughts in a pro/con list format.
As with most airplane decisions, it's highly dependent on personal opinions and situations so I won't bother making this a poll. I welcome the group's additional thoughts from both ULS and iS drivers. What am I missing in the comparison?
Scenario: installing 912ULS motor in RV-12iS
Pros:
Cons:
Thanks for your thoughts.
As with most airplane decisions, it's highly dependent on personal opinions and situations so I won't bother making this a poll. I welcome the group's additional thoughts from both ULS and iS drivers. What am I missing in the comparison?
Scenario: installing 912ULS motor in RV-12iS
Pros:
- $5,000 cheaper
- Better fuel system accessibility. With tailcone on, the 912iS configuration looks real tight and painful to access.
- Better fuel system reliability. It's on top of my mind because of reading couple posts of repeated replacements AND poor access. If ULS boost pump fails - so what? Still have engine driven pump. If iS fuel pumps fail - no engine.
- Simplicity? Something about a carbureted engine in an airplane makes me feel better. Maybe it's because most of my experience is in 65 hp cub engines
- Ability to have map box. Not that big of a deal but I'll take more space where I can.
Cons:
- Higher fuel consumption. ULS is already great at 4.5 gal/hour. Do I really care about saving another gal/hour? If fuel consumption was the only item of merit, it would take a lot of hours to pay back $5,000 in extra cost with less fuel consumption.
- Lower resale value. How many RV-12iS with ULS motor? Not many I bet.
- Carburetor maintenance/syncing.
- Lower range. I'm not old, but I can't see myself sitting in a small plane for longer than 3 hours at a stretch anyway.
- Lower ceiling. I'm a sport pilot and am limited to 10k feet anyway.
- I like the appearance of the 912iS top cowl louvers. After reading through 37iS-U, it looks like the bottom cowl is mostly same.
- Less electrical power from ULS engine. I only have the single landing light. Anything else I'm missing out on?
Thanks for your thoughts.