I am looking into scratch-building a PA-18. My mission set is quite modest and I don't need the "bush tires and monster engine" solution that works well for many other Super Cubbers.
As an experienced ship builder, I am very much aware of the cost-time-performance iron triangle. The only way I close that triangle on a PA-18 build is for me is if I either luck into a low-time engine just pulled from another plane as part of a power upgrade, or dig in and overhaul a higher-time Lycoming O-290. I've never overhauled an engine, but do have on-call access to auto mechanic friends and sons. The question is this: Am I nuts for considering this part of the project? Do I need to kidnap an A&P? ;-)
Regards,
Alan
As an experienced ship builder, I am very much aware of the cost-time-performance iron triangle. The only way I close that triangle on a PA-18 build is for me is if I either luck into a low-time engine just pulled from another plane as part of a power upgrade, or dig in and overhaul a higher-time Lycoming O-290. I've never overhauled an engine, but do have on-call access to auto mechanic friends and sons. The question is this: Am I nuts for considering this part of the project? Do I need to kidnap an A&P? ;-)
Regards,
Alan