Speeddemon651
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2014
- Messages
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I want to build a new engine for my 1945' J3C-65 / L-4J and I've been going back and forth on the pro's & cons ad need some help decoding the red tape and deciding on the best option.
My Cub currently has the following:
- Standard category J3C-65
- Original A-65-8 (will be removed and stored)
- Univair wing tank
- Univair SS exhaust
- Wood Wing Spars
- Later style Continental air box, non L-4
- Slick Mags (145 hrs TT)
Looking to achieve:
- Keep -8 accessory case ideally but not a deal breaker.
- Would like to keep a Sensenich wood prop on it but it's not a deal breaker to run a metal prop.
- Increased cruise.
- Increased climb (with my A-65 and two adults in the summer, it's performance is pretty poor).
- Longevity for parts & service.
- 100% reliable power plant with no issues that can take a beating.
- Easy paperwork / install
- Ideally I want ant to stay negative electric / hand prop only
C85-8 Stroker Option:
- These engines are getting harder to find and getting more expensive by the day it seems.
- Will need a Stroker STC
- Will have to piece together most of the engine from new / used parts.
- I've seen 2 different people have pretty serious issues with C-85 Strokers from a very well known stroker engine builder lately, one resulted in a total rebuild. The second took 6 weeks to sort out the issue .
- C-85 & C-90 parts are scarce and expensive now, what will 20 years down the road look like ?
- Logbook entry and painless install for a J3.
- Lots of propeller options.
O-200 Option:
- Can I utilize my current Univair wing and stock header tank?
- Any way to convert to a -8 accessory case or do I have to run an electrical system ?
- Is a new engine mount a must?
- How does Univair STC work with J3's with wood spars?
- What wood / metal propellers will I be limited to ?
- What ballpark climb cruise numbers would I see vs the C-85 stroker.
- This option is pretty bullet proof.
- Long service and parts life options.
- Engine cores are relatively affordable and very available.
- Heavier of the two engine options by 9 or so lbs.
- Possibly more paperwork involved.
- Easily rebuilt at most shops without any trial and error.
- 337's for install would be difficult today.
Any help decoding the red tape and deciding on the best option would be greatly appreciated.
My Cub currently has the following:
- Standard category J3C-65
- Original A-65-8 (will be removed and stored)
- Univair wing tank
- Univair SS exhaust
- Wood Wing Spars
- Later style Continental air box, non L-4
- Slick Mags (145 hrs TT)
Looking to achieve:
- Keep -8 accessory case ideally but not a deal breaker.
- Would like to keep a Sensenich wood prop on it but it's not a deal breaker to run a metal prop.
- Increased cruise.
- Increased climb (with my A-65 and two adults in the summer, it's performance is pretty poor).
- Longevity for parts & service.
- 100% reliable power plant with no issues that can take a beating.
- Easy paperwork / install
- Ideally I want ant to stay negative electric / hand prop only
C85-8 Stroker Option:
- These engines are getting harder to find and getting more expensive by the day it seems.
- Will need a Stroker STC
- Will have to piece together most of the engine from new / used parts.
- I've seen 2 different people have pretty serious issues with C-85 Strokers from a very well known stroker engine builder lately, one resulted in a total rebuild. The second took 6 weeks to sort out the issue .
- C-85 & C-90 parts are scarce and expensive now, what will 20 years down the road look like ?
- Logbook entry and painless install for a J3.
- Lots of propeller options.
O-200 Option:
- Can I utilize my current Univair wing and stock header tank?
- Any way to convert to a -8 accessory case or do I have to run an electrical system ?
- Is a new engine mount a must?
- How does Univair STC work with J3's with wood spars?
- What wood / metal propellers will I be limited to ?
- What ballpark climb cruise numbers would I see vs the C-85 stroker.
- This option is pretty bullet proof.
- Long service and parts life options.
- Engine cores are relatively affordable and very available.
- Heavier of the two engine options by 9 or so lbs.
- Possibly more paperwork involved.
- Easily rebuilt at most shops without any trial and error.
- 337's for install would be difficult today.
Any help decoding the red tape and deciding on the best option would be greatly appreciated.
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