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RV8 to RV8A

bubba

Member
has anyone done a conversion of an RV8 to RV8A? I am interested in the cost and time to do the conversion. My RV8 is complete.

Thanks
 
While I would assume it could be done given enough time and money, I suspect you will not be happy with the results.

Consider purchase of a RV-8A quickbuild fusleage, and then just the finish kit parts that you cannot use from the RV-8 (engine mount, gear legs, etc.). Obviously your current wings, empennage, engine, panel and such can be carried over.

Carl
 
RV8 TO 8A

I like Mikes idea. Budget a $1000 bucks to fly with an instructor and once you get a 100 hours TT or so(maybe not all with him/her), you should be happy with the little wheel in the back. Plus you will have learned a lot of other good stuff too.
 
Unfortunately, that does not address the question the OP is asking.

No, but I suspect that anyone who did do the conversion, having 20/20 hindsight would have done just what was proposed in Post #2.
....or.....
Sell the RV-8 and buy a RV-8A. Pocket the considerable difference!
 
Unlike the 6 or 7 or 9 the Rv8 and the RV8A are totally different from each other forward of the main wing carry through. I do not think it's a viable option. 8 has gear towers and the 8A is similar to the side by side. Just looking at how different they are may answer your question?
 
not sure about the 8 but I have seen it done and provided some assistance to convert a 7 to 7A. it required new engine mount, new gear and gear brackets for the mains. some adjustment of the cowl to spinner interface was required and some cowl fiberglass patches where the gear penetrated. it's a tight work space to drill the main gear brackets but doable. upside was 1/3 cost for insurance for an 7A model and easy landings.
 
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Major big job. Easy landings in the 8 to. After just a short while, insurance costs are about the same.
 
Unlike the 6 or 7 or 9 the Rv8 and the RV8A are totally different from each other forward of the main wing carry through. I do not think it's a viable option. 8 has gear towers and the 8A is similar to the side by side. Just looking at how different they are may answer your question?

All true.

The 8A has gear system similar to other RV's. The 8 is totally different, it would be major task to change it.
 
has anyone done a conversion of an RV8 to RV8A? I am interested in the cost and time to do the conversion. My RV8 is complete.

Thanks

Bubba,

I did a search on Google and found these Vans Air force threads that are related to your question. I hope you find them helpful.

"Converting RV-8A to 8":
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=44555

"8A to 8 Conversion": http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=66949

"RV-8A to -8 Tailwheel conversion:"
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=109925
 
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