I just wonder about resale. Can you SELL an RV with an auto engine in it?... So in that light, will you be able to sell the plane and get a reasonable amount for it?
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Dan: I am installing a Mazda 13B rotary in my 9A and if resale value was a priority with me, I wouldn't be doing it. Anyone who has watched Barnstormers etc. for the past few years has seen numerous RV's with alternative engines (whether Chevy, Mazda, or Subie) sold, that haven't commanded top dollar compared to one with a Lycoming. That is simply the nature of "market forces" at work, and how the average RV buyer views the product that is up for sale.
I have no illusions about ever selling my completed and flying 9A for top dollar w/the 13B; but why should I expect to when I will only have about $9.5K invested FWF (including the non FWF computer ).
If someone is going to go the alternative engine route, they have to be doing it for themselves, and not for the benefit of a potential future buyer.
Doug Lomheim
9A, FWF
Ok City, OK
My knee jerks when I know two people personally who have auto engines in their RVs and have had off-airport landings.You'll find, I think, a lot more kneejerk reactions than you will find hard data.
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My hat is off to you guys who take the initiative to do it right and to create options for the rest of us. My advice to a NEW builder is just to consider your mission carefully.
Check out Gary Newsted's RV 9 site on Van's link website. Or click below.
http://www.jlc.net/~fcs/Builders_Journal.htm
Resale is a pretty good point. So is the high cost of 100LL. The subies run on 93 octane gasoline. If you start building right now, the landscape will be different when you complete your pride and joy. The panel I have in my plane would be different as the Garmin 396 has been updated with the 496 etc.
Steve Anderson
RV 7A Finishing
Subaru H-6
Lafayette, La
Check out Gary Newsted's RV 9 site on Van's link website. Or click below.
http://www.jlc.net/~fcs/Builders_Journal.htm
Resale is a pretty good point. So is the high cost of 100LL. The subies run on 93 octane gasoline. If you start building right now, the landscape will be different when you complete your pride and joy. The panel I have in my plane would be different as the Garmin 396 has been updated with the 496 etc.
Steve Anderson
RV 7A Finishing
Subaru H-6
Lafayette, La
Dear the4ork:dont know much about subaru engines except they are like a boxter style engine... so woulnt the new wrx sti engine be great for an aircraft?
One other thing he said that surprised me, he has to do his bi-annuals in a rental unit as he can't find an instructor who will fly in his plane.
Then he isn't looking in the right places.
Nathan Larson
N217JT RV9E 640 hours flying behind an Egg.
Instrument checkride done in the RV9E.
CFII Would be happy to do a biannual.
Do you have any data comparing it to Lycoming? IE weight, CG differences?
Looks like engine heat will be carried through the tunnel to the radiator. Will these be insulated? What prop will you be using? Did you fuel tanks need to be plumed differently?
Can't wait to see you flying and reporting more information on this setup.
Kent