RV-9A Engine mount replacement options

[BillWB707]

I bought a 2007-build RV-9A in November. I had a friend who has built four Vans aircraft help me with my first oil change and we found three cracks in the engine mount. I am not a builder but I have great friends and neighbors here at my air park who have offered to help me. There are two options, apparently. First is to buy the Service letter 19-04030 kit (7A/9A Dyna 1 mnt. kit Retro ($8,500). this is a major repair including nose gear but will be an upgrade for sure. I understand it sis like the RV-10/14 engine mount and gear. The second option is less clear, but it seems Van's can custom build an original engine mount bracket (WD-962-PC, $3500). Has anybody done either of these engine mount swaps? Should I buy the rubber engine mounts and other hardware if I just go with replacing with the original mount? I went through technical support and they said I could have it welded, or replace with one of these two options. No other details and I am waiting to talk to the ordering department on the phone, but I am looking for any advice here. Thanks!!

 

[N40ES]

I hope your friends are advising to stay on the Ground! I don't see how you could go wrong with the New Style Engine Mount and Nose strut assembly. Seems to me to be well worth the expense and possibly increase in overall value too. Ed S.

 

[mburch]

If you wanted to reuse the existing mount, I'd look into having it repaired by Russ McCutcheon: by https://vansairforce.net/threads/outstanding-job-by-mccutcheon-metal-fabrication.243884/

 

[wirejock]

Buy the new elastomer kit. But new motor mounts. Yes, it's a lot of money but the new gear is huge piece of kind and significant value.
Make sure you get a new nose gear fairing and the cowl panels. The nose gear fairing is different. There are two panels that close up the hole in the cowl. The exhaust hangars may need to be redone too.

 

[rvbuilder2002]

Buy the new elastomer kit. But new motor mounts. Yes, it's a lot of money but the new gear is huge piece of kind and significant value.
Make sure you get a new nose gear fairing and the cowl panels. The nose gear fairing is different. There are two panels that close up the hole in the cowl. The exhaust hangars may need to be redone too.

Before going this route, do some research and be aware of the caution published by vans regarding whether there will be fitment issues because of the new mount not aligning with the attachment holes on the firewall.
This is a possibility with a new equivalent replacement as well.
My personal recommendation would be to get your mount repaired. Much more likely to fit properly and probably much quicker because of the wait time you will have for the delivery of a new one.

 

[wirejock]

Before going this route, do some research and be aware of the caution published by vans regarding whether there will be fitment issues because of the new mount not aligning with the attachment holes on the firewall.
This is a possibility with a new equivalent replacement as well.
My personal recommendation would be to get your mount repaired. Much more likely to fit properly and probably much quicker because of the wait time you will have for the delivery of a new one.

Scott:
Vans used to sell an undrilled mount with drill bushing kit. Did they discontinue?
That's what mine was because the firewall had already been drilled from Vans to 3/16. Turns out all the holes were almost perfectly lined up but I used the bushings anyway.
Call and ask.