Time to Hot Rod the Champ

[jimboe]

Yipee! I get to rebuild or replace the engine in my Champ (I'm trying to see my cup as half full, but I know my wallet's gonna be completely empty).

Last Saturday, I was doing some power-on stalls and the rocker towers on the left rear cylinder broke causing moving parts to collide with not so moving parts. Things went down hill from there. Fortunately, there was a nice big runway at the bottom of the glide slope, and it's now well lubed with Aeroshell 50.

My Champ was converted to 7DC with a C85-12 that now has about 1,700 hours. My mechanic says the cases need splitting to repair a damaged lifter/cam follower creating the need to rebuild or replace the engine, and the opportunity to improve upon the stock C85.

I remember Nathan advocating for the C85-12 with an O200 crank, rods & pistons for a strong 90hp package. I also recall the epic adventure he endured to acquire it and the $11,000 he paid for it (ah, but don't she purr?).

I already have a good prop, muffler, mags and oil filter. I don't have time or enthusiasm to do the work myself. I would like to buy an engine that's already assembled by a competent person and ready to install so I can go flying again soon (Nathan, care to build another one?).

I wonder if such an engine package is available pre-assembled, or if I'd have to special order it.

What about buying a remanufactured or new engine from Continental? I imagine a zero-time engine would help resale value. Would they build a C85/O200?

Can anyone recommend a good engine shop in the pacific northwest?

What about other engine options like an O200 (horsepower to the people!)? What other changes would be required? I know I'd have to do the wing spar AD every year with more than 90hp, but my mechanic said that's not a big deal. Would I have to bother those nice folks at the FAA if I changed engine size?

Also, I wouldn't mind having a carb I could lean to get better performance at altitude, if it performs well enough to justify the expense. I can't believe Holly or Edlebrock don't make a 4-barrel for a C85?

As always, I'm looking forward to your guidance.

Jim

[David R. Mead]

Jim-
I'm glad you were able to land safely, and (someday) fly the Champ again!
Last winter I did the C-85/O200 thing on my plane. Four new cylinders, new crank and pistons from Aircraft Specialties in Tulsa cost $5,500. An A&P friend put it together and hung it in the plane for another $1,500. She gets off the runway like she's spring loaded - but the fuel burn has gone up 20%.
Call the boys in Tulsa, nice folks to deal with, and maybe they can help at a reasonable price.

Good Luck!
DRM