Radial Champ

[mike newall]

Thought that would interest a few !

I have a cunning plan and would like suggestions from the fine forum fellows - bit like the Fabulous Freak Brothers but different

I am getting rid of a Citabria to downsize back to a Champ until our RV7 is finished next year (the wife wants decking - must obey, must obey).

So, if I get an average Champ that could do with some work, what does everyone think about re engining it with one of these Australian 7 cylinder Rotec radial engines ? 100h.p. ish, could be quite a thing - ring cowl or exposed ?

Over to you

[shazam]

Cool, Mike! First things that come to mind are 'certification' and 'resale value'.

Is the engine certified?..and even so, don't the engine/airframe have to be certified as a 'package'?

If you're just gonna fly this til your -7 is done, sure seems like a lot of work to go thru.

Are you thinking of trying to go experimental?

This is gonna be a fun thread!

Jim

[CptKelly]

Your radial powered Champ might look like a radial powered Stinson L5 I saw once. It looked mean, but really different. You will have to go experimental to build one like that, however. If its your dream, go for it.

Mike

[joea]

Sounds interesting! Remember that they are still making radial engines in Poland as well, so worth a look.

[Captgrumps]

Go for it--years ago had a Stinson L-5 with a 220 Continental on it here...

Doug

[mike newall]

Champs are already Experimental over in the UK, we don't need anything certified, just signed out fit for purpose by our LAA (like EAA) Inspector.

I would need to prove structure and may need a dorsal as it is over 90hp which wouldn't thrill me.

This would be an after the RV project - a fella has to plan ahead these days before the wife starts making plans for an empty workshop