Draker
Well Known Member
Two somewhat-related questions for all-knowing VAF!
1. Reading some past threads, it seems there is some wisdom to having the engine mount available and test fit well before starting FWF, in order to double check the location and fit of components you plan to attach to the engine side of the firewall (e.g. the brake fluid reservoir), and in general to start planning the firewall-forward side. I'm going nose-dragger but have still not finalized my engine choice. Between the IO-360-M1B (180hp) and IO-360-A1B6 (200hp), is the engine mount the same? If so, I don't see why I wouldn't want to order it early, before whatever kit it actually comes with.
2. For fuel injected engine, the fuel line passes through the firewall on the lower center-right area, with a metal doubler on the engine side. In some threads, builders using Van's documented location for this hole have reported interference between the doubler and the starter contactor, and also clearance issues with the engine mount. Is there a consensus on the best location for this pass-through hole? Without the mount and starter hardware, I have little confidence I'm drilling in the right spot. Should I just hold off and not pass the fuel line through the firewall until much later in the build?
1. Reading some past threads, it seems there is some wisdom to having the engine mount available and test fit well before starting FWF, in order to double check the location and fit of components you plan to attach to the engine side of the firewall (e.g. the brake fluid reservoir), and in general to start planning the firewall-forward side. I'm going nose-dragger but have still not finalized my engine choice. Between the IO-360-M1B (180hp) and IO-360-A1B6 (200hp), is the engine mount the same? If so, I don't see why I wouldn't want to order it early, before whatever kit it actually comes with.
2. For fuel injected engine, the fuel line passes through the firewall on the lower center-right area, with a metal doubler on the engine side. In some threads, builders using Van's documented location for this hole have reported interference between the doubler and the starter contactor, and also clearance issues with the engine mount. Is there a consensus on the best location for this pass-through hole? Without the mount and starter hardware, I have little confidence I'm drilling in the right spot. Should I just hold off and not pass the fuel line through the firewall until much later in the build?