RV7

[Kyle Boatright]

I don't want to dissuade you but make sure you're aware of what you're in for using the Continental. If the matched hole/snap-together aspect of the RV-7 is an attraction then this kind of mod can drive you crazy. You will potentially need to engineer and fabricate everything FWF. The mount is critical since it contains the main gear mounting. The position of the engine/prop CG, thrust line and rear accessory clearance are factors. The cowling may not fit. All firewall penetrations and mounting may need to change. You won't be able to use the RV-7 plans. I even used the RV-7 firewall plans for my second RV-6 to simplify my life for those items. If you've got your eyes wide open then more power to you, go for it. That's what "Experimental" is all about.

All true. However, there is an RV-Frankenstein that I ran into a few years ago with an RV-6 fuse, RV-4 wings, and a Continental engine. The OP would do well to track down that airplane and get the drawings for the engine mount. That would probably save a lot of time and effort.

[Mike B]

All true. However, there is an RV-Frankenstein that I ran into a few years ago with an RV-6 fuse, RV-4 wings, and a Continental engine. The OP would do well to track down that airplane and get the drawings for the engine mount. That would probably save a lot of time and effort.

The hunt for it will be on!!

[Mike B]

Seems to me that I got a note from a friend yesterday about Pat Panzera having a two-blade constant-speed McCauley Propeller D2AF34R59-A for a Continental IO-360, asking $1500. Pat is associated with EAA and is editor of Contact! magazine, so I'm sure you can find him. Also a runout engine with no logs for $4500. As others have stated, the Continental IO-360 is a fine engine, but a bit long and heavy for the RV. Of course others convert the RVs to Harmon Rockets and mount an IO-540 on them, so of course the IO-360 can be installed and will work. Just make sure you guys get the CG right and watch the gross weight. -Cub Builder

Thanks for the info, I'll pass it along to my son.