Neophyte Engine Upgrade Question

birdus

birdus

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Jay Williams
It didn't seem like there was a perfect forum category for this question, so here it it.

I'm planning on buying a Luscombe 8?. Let's say the one I get has a 90HP C-90, just for the sake of argument. If I wanted to have high compression pistons, a different cam, and a 4-into-1 exhaust installed (for example), is that possible? I'm only very roughly familiar with an STC or a field approval (really just throwing those terms around to make it sound like I actually know something). Is it just a matter of taking the plane to a reputable shop and telling them to give me more power? Some other process? Impossible?

I understand what I'm talking about would result in a reduced TBO. When one wants more power, one doesn't care about such things.

Thanks,
Jay
 
Lots of work, why not just toss a engine in it that has more power (like a 150hp o320) from the start? If you want a hot rod 8, I’d get a nice one that’s been prop struck or without a engine or has a runout on it and find a deal on a low time 320, which is a common engine.

Ever play Oregon trail? Don’t be a pioneer

https://www.luscombe-silvaire.com/stcs
 
birdus said:
It didn't seem like there was a perfect forum category for this question, so here it it.

I'm planning on buying a Luscombe 8?. Let's say the one I get has a 90HP C-90, just for the sake of argument. If I wanted to have high compression pistons, a different cam, and a 4-into-1 exhaust installed (for example), is that possible? I'm only very roughly familiar with an STC or a field approval (really just throwing those terms around to make it sound like I actually know something). Is it just a matter of taking the plane to a reputable shop and telling them to give me more power? Some other process? Impossible?

I understand what I'm talking about would result in a reduced TBO. When one wants more power, one doesn't care about such things.

Thanks,
Jay
Click to expand...

What you're asking for isn't feasible on at least two fronts, economy and downtime.

Buy into something already approved.
 
Whatever you do, it has to be a configuration listed under the original Type Certificate or a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Hot rodding the C-90, probably no STC. But you could put in an O-200 or O-200 under an existing STC.

But fly it first, you might like it just fine the way it is. Bigger engine = more weight, more fuel consumption.
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I appreciate it!
 
I think you can add some 0-200 goodies onto the c90 to get more oooph... I know you can the c85, but everyone Ive heard of with a c90 loves em.

Also is it necessary for your mission? If you are going in and out of 4000 ft paved all the time is it even worth considering? I bet as is she will get ya in and out of most grass strips that aren't crazy short or have big obstructions... or think about a climb prop...

Thats what im going to do with my Cessna 140... see how she does this summer, as ive only flown her in the cold. If im really dissapointed in it, ill twist the prop to a climb... If i was real worried about mph i wouldnt have opted for a c140! But the folks are right, fly her...
 
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Dana said:
Whatever you do, it has to be a configuration listed under the original Type Certificate or a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Hot rodding the C-90, probably no STC. But you could put in an O-200 or O-200 under an existing STC.

But fly it first, you might like it just fine the way it is. Bigger engine = more weight, more fuel consumption.
Click to expand...

Actually the weight difference is small, the horse power isn't that big, supportably great, there isn't a 85-90 crank anywhere, cylinders? there isn't any east of eden. accessories? much easier to support, mags for example new are available in slick or TCM, vice the old Eismann.(sp) mufflers new are available
 
Long ago I flew a friend's 150 HP luscombe, it was great, just loved fuel too much, I was looking thru a bunch of boxes from long ago when I was restoring planes and I think I saw an overhauled C 85 crank, I'll check in a few days and make sure
 
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