[f-AA] Chief with the O-235 engine

[j...@joea.com]

Anyone on the list have a Chief that has used the Buzz Wagner STC to install a Lycoming O-235 engine?

Have a friend who is looking at one and curious how you like the conversion?

Thanks,

Joe A

[Galen Hutcheson]

Joe I have a 1956 7EC that has the Wagner STC conversion for the 0235-C1.  I didn't do the conversion, I bought the plane already converted.  The 7EC (which had been beefed up by the factory and is heavier that a 7AC) preforms very well with that engine.  I get 108 hp at 2600 RPMs.  I'm not sure how it will work on the Chief, but I looked at a Luscomb with a 0235 and the owner (a young A&P) said that the plane flew well and had a great cruise.  I started to buy the plane but being an Aeronica fan I stumbled on my plane (see photo) and it was love at first sight.  My research makes me believe that the 7EC was built to accept the C-90 but when American Champion bought out Aeronica, they used the 7EC as a prototype for the first 7ECA Citabria. They later made more changes and advanced the successful airbatic line.  The orange stripped plane is the 0235 Luscomb and my 7EC with the 0235 conv.  Galen

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[Richard Murray]

I do. Haven't gotten it back in the air yet. Reach out to John Chapman

Richard in OH who flew 59 consecutive days in a Chief this morning

[Lucy Ooi]

I also have a Champ with that engine. 

Pros: 

Climbs very well

Seems to be a good reliable engine so far

Cons: 

Heavy. Very heavy. Nose heavy. 

Needs a custom cowling. I'm thinking about building a new one for mine since it never for quite right and is rubbing. I can't just buy one. It needs to be built. Of the Champs I have seen with this engine, no two have cowlings that look the same. I image it would be the same for Chiefs.

Lucy

N4009B

"Rudolph"

[j...@joea.com]

Lucy,

Thanks for the input.

Please contact Rob Palmer who is on the Facebook page.

He builds just about anything needed sheetmetal wise, and is a true artist in the process.

If you need contact info please let me know.

Joe

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[Rafael Gomez Blanco]

Joe can I have his contact info please?.  Im redoing the 7 piece cowl set for my Chief and lets say its beyomnd my skills, specially since Harbor Freight tools removed the English wheel from the store and I cant practice no more :)

Rafael

[Aeronca Flyer]

The 7GC used a Champ bowl with the hole between the prop and air filter omitted. Back before I wrote off the Champ with the 235 I was thinking of modifying a fiberglass bowl to make one.

Richard in Creswell, no need now

[Richard Murray]

I also have a Champ with an O-235 and the same nose fitting issues Lucy mentioned. I had a 7ECA with the 235 and it had a bowl you could but from Wag-Aero

[Lucy Ooi]

Thanks guys! The nosebowl on mine is good. It's the bottom cowling that is really a problem. I'm going to make an attempt at it myself and once my scrap metal pile gets big enough I'll contact Joe's guy. 

Lucy

N4009B

"Rudolph"

[Matt Slezak]

Seems all the prior posts on this conversion say nose heavy.  Apparently most people feel the C85 has the right balance / power / weight.  In other words... The extra power kinda is offset by the weight so performance is pretty close.  That's what I based my decision on anyhow using the Bill Pancake C85 STC on for my Chief but haven't flown it yet due to my very slow (too busy) A&P...

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[Matt Slezak]

And while we have the few Lycoming Aeroncas in the loop for a rare occasion:

Has anyone tried placing  a 25lb-50lb (whatever the Lycoming weight increase is) in the back to see if that added power makes it nimble again with the CG offset?

I imagine with the HP increase they probably just forgot(?) the obvious to correct a heavy front CG condition (or the gross was too low approved to suggest adding weight to counterbalance).

Just guessing here but very curious what those of you with these engines report back...

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[Doug Rounds]

Joe mine is upgraded to one of those go like hell engines. Aircraft Specialities conversion--right now my health doesn't even know what aviation is--so sooooer or later it is going on the sale block--won't be cheap as they don't come cheap--I only wish I got to fly it more--great Champ with right engine and prop, good fabric and resting right now for some action someday when some has check out the entire inventory and an airplane that is not working on a beer budget. In the meantime I am working on cataloging  my 70 year aviation collections. No need for BS artists to apply--Been around long enough to know who they are by dates applied. 

Folks when you get old vultures hang in the trees --but some come from mixed  aviation grubber hunters--not pilots to keep flying.  Wife and I have been together 62 years . Just an old guys observations. The Smithsonian would be proud. as these are real..But then they will stay in  the family if they know how to  fly...I am glad I did what I did when I did..I feel sorry for those that want today. Think About It.. Going to bed so I can get up and take inventory. If I offrend so be ti--sorry--age is experience.   Doug

[Aeronca Flyer]

Rainbow Ron just posted a top and bottom cowl for a Citabria on eBay.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/152640312499

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/391850453302

Richard in Creswell, seems like a good deal