We're overhaulling the O-320-E2A on UBC and the shop is offering the upgrade n/c but the STC has to be bought at either Ram Aircraft or LyCon.
Has anyone done this upgrade? Is it worth it? Is there any downside? Ram Aircraft says you have to buy the 160Hp upgrade STC for $300 then you also have to buy an STC for the airframe to now accept the 160 HP for another $300.
Thoughts?
PA28-140 160Hp STC
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niss
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PA28-140 160Hp STC
She’s built like a Steakhouse, but she handles like a Bistro.
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
Mechanically, very limited downside, it's an inexpensive horsepower increase for the O-320. Lots of '68 Cardinals, 150HP C172s, Cherokees, and SuperCubs have done it instead of upgrading to an O-360.
The change results in higher cylinder compressions. You are then limited to using 100LL. Not sure what the future holds there, that's another topic.
The change results in higher cylinder compressions. You are then limited to using 100LL. Not sure what the future holds there, that's another topic.
Tony Hunt
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Jungle Jim
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Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
Niss,
I have the 160 hp engine in the Thorp and it is quite noticably different from the 150 hp version. If you also go with the Power Flo exhaust you could end up with a real performer. I don't think the auto fuel STC is available for your plane regardless of the pistons, because of the fuel pump and the possibility of getting vapour lock on the suction side. If it was me, I would do the swap. If 100LL goes away with no replacement, it is not a big change to go back to the low compression pistons.
Jim
I have the 160 hp engine in the Thorp and it is quite noticably different from the 150 hp version. If you also go with the Power Flo exhaust you could end up with a real performer. I don't think the auto fuel STC is available for your plane regardless of the pistons, because of the fuel pump and the possibility of getting vapour lock on the suction side. If it was me, I would do the swap. If 100LL goes away with no replacement, it is not a big change to go back to the low compression pistons.
Jim
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niss
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Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
I know they are having problems getting 100LL way up north but you guys are making it sound like it's right around the corner. Anything you guys know that I don't?
She’s built like a Steakhouse, but she handles like a Bistro.
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
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iflyforpie
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Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
Lead is bad... M'Kay?
Still sure you don't want to get that 'X' punch and hammer?
Still sure you don't want to get that 'X' punch and hammer?
Geez did I say that....? Or just think it....?
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niss
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Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
Don't you have anything worthwhile to contribute?
You engineers, all you're good for is taking my money and mocking my pain!
You engineers, all you're good for is taking my money and mocking my pain!
She’s built like a Steakhouse, but she handles like a Bistro.
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
Let's kick the tires, and light the fires.... SHIT! FIRE! EMERGENCY CHECKLIST!
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iflyforpie
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Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
That's why I suggested hammering Xs on your plane so you can liberate yourself from high mechanics bills and witless dry humour.
I guess you've shamed me into offering some advice.
Honestly, I would use that cash towards breaking in the new engine vs adding ten hp. On smaller aircraft, ten hp makes a big difference but not so much on larger ones. The difference between a fully loaded 172 with 150hp and a lightly loaded 206 (one person, min fuel) with 300 hp is not as big as you think.
I guess you've shamed me into offering some advice.
Honestly, I would use that cash towards breaking in the new engine vs adding ten hp. On smaller aircraft, ten hp makes a big difference but not so much on larger ones. The difference between a fully loaded 172 with 150hp and a lightly loaded 206 (one person, min fuel) with 300 hp is not as big as you think.
Geez did I say that....? Or just think it....?
Re: PA28-140 160Hp STC
Niss.
You should only need 1 STC. During overhaul have the engine converted to a d3g. The O/H facility should be able to do it. Then either the Ram or the guy at piper mods can sell you the stc to put that engine in the airframe. Should save a little $
have fun cherokees are great airplanes.
You should only need 1 STC. During overhaul have the engine converted to a d3g. The O/H facility should be able to do it. Then either the Ram or the guy at piper mods can sell you the stc to put that engine in the airframe. Should save a little $
have fun cherokees are great airplanes.
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