National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

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

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

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

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

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

Doug

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