National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

What are the performance differences between a 115 hp converted Champ and a 7eca...anyone have an idea? Looking to float one and the prices are similiar. Thanks in advance.

I had a 68 7ECA 115 hp I sold it and went to a 7EC 90 hp The eca weighs more. The converted one may weigh less and give you better performance. You have a higher gross weight with the eca but I do not know if there is an increase with one converted. I saw a 7Ec with floats and skis forsale on Barnstormers.

Peeto,
I have a 7AC-Conv with an 0-235. I have floats for it (PK 1500's) but have not flown it with them yet. The previous owner said it was a great performer. Off the water very quick. Give me a couple more months and I'll be able to tell you. Still stuck in Hawaii til 8 June and then should be back home and get the floats on to try it. There was one similar in northern MN last summer for sale but not sure if it sold. There seems to be several there and they rarely get advertised nationally usually get sold be word of mouth.
Keith

Thanks for the replies...I would be interested in the figures when you get back Keith...I'm now looking at a citabria GCBC...prices are climbing so quickly on the Champ variants that a few more $ bumps you into the Citabria class...hope the Rebel project will be off the ground soon...thanks all.

I have a newly rebuilt 7CCM conv with a 0-0235 115 hp on edo 1400.
Performs really well as I'm 220 can carry a passenger and also have
3 fuel tanks on board.
I also have over 100hrs in a 7GCBC so I now the performance, when I
tried the 115hp champ i was so impressed to the similarities that I bought it!

Cost per hour is lower as well. One thing I am considering though is to
get bigger floats for it as I did get used to edo 2000's. I know I can't go that big but will probably upgrade.


You can check out my pic's in the floats section.

Regards
Paul Courchesne

Paul-

Surely the GCBC cruises a bit quicker no? Would love to discuss the merits of each seeing as how you have experience with both...if you could PM me that would be great...I have a few other questions I would like to float by you...thanks...Mark

Peeto.....never flown anything but a taylor craft on floats. Have flown a citibra 150 hp gcbc for about 30 hours. Its a real performer and alot of fun to fly. To me its very similar to the 7bcm i have now, except you can haul the gcbc off the ground quickly and go UP!! Seems logical it would be the better performer on floats. My 7bcm is an 85 hp and is...to me... not a performer but rather....." adequate."

Thanks jc...my medical re-certification took a positive turn today so I'm no longer in the tire-kicking stage...would like to have something within 2 months...thinking about a gcbc and turn it into a floatplane...I know, I should find one already in that configuration but I can't, other possible is either a 7ec or 7ac conv w/115hp, or a PA12 w/115...of all, I think the citabria would offer the most options, however the others may be cheaper to operate in the long run...such decisions.

Peeto,

I don't remember if you told me where you were from but if you are anywhere near Minnesota there are several around in the northern part of the state. I found a few last year when I purchsed mine. Most of them only get advertised locally and usually with only a card on a bulletin board. Sorry but I am still in Hawaii for a few more weeks or I would look for you. If I find something when I get back I'll let you know.

Progress on the Rebel is going slow since I am trying to build the wings in the small houses they have over here. I had to wait 2 months for the rain to stop so I could spray epoxy primer on the parts. Wife might have gotten a little upset if I would have done it in the house.

If you know of anyone looking for a well maintained 1960 172 let me know. 3200TT >500SMOH I don't have the logs here so I'm not 100% on the times. The engine had new bearings, rings, pistons etc replaced less than 100 hours ago. ( Similar to a major OH, just didn't have the crank magnafluxed)

Keith

Thanks Keith...I'm just over here in Michigan so your neck of the woods is within reach...keep me posted when you can...I appreciate the info...good luck...Mark

Peeto, Just wondering if you ever found a plane to your liking.
Keith