On 05/03/98 00:33:50 you wrote: > > I am presently conducting an ercoupe search. Numerous blanks exits in my >coupe knowledge--could someone enlighten me? >1. Does one model of coupe perform substantially better than another? Not >that any coupe is a real performer, but which is best? >2. What is with the mixture control, or lack thereof? Can the control be >reinstalled? >3. Is the rudder pedal installation worthwhile? If so can the nosewheel >interlink be configured to behave more like a typical trike installation? >4. Which model carries the most useful load (I mean legally)? >5. Are any STCs available to install carb jets for a bit more HP? How about >an O-200 installation? > Will be looking at 2 coupes tomorrow. The more I look and read about >this Macy's marvel, the more amused and fascinated I am by the design >ingenuity and marketing objective. A chicken in every pot and a coupe in >every garage. > >
>Tnx coupers& 73 > >D Reid > > Welcome to the list. I can't answer most of your questions, but I can give you some limited insight. As you probably know from your research, the coupe is broken into 3 general catagories; The "Ercoupe", the "Forney" and the "Alon". The Ercoupe has both peddle and non- peddle models, is older and more maintenance prone, and usually has a 75 or 85 hp engine. I understand that the 85hp is a significant improvement over the 75hp. The Alon has a 90hp engine that is very reliable and provides adequate power for two people and full loads. The Alon has also solved some of the maintenance problems and general design deficiencies found in the Ercoupe. Some people prefer peddles in their coupe, but those without them say why bother. They are able to land in strong cross winds and steer just fine with the yoke. I would be more interested in the other condition indicators than in getting a coupe with peddles. The Alon, and I suppose the Ercoupe, has a climb prop available, as well as a cruise prop. Most of the Alon owners I have met have a climb prob and like it just fine. My Alon has a climb prob and my flying buddy's Alon has a cruise prop. I can out climb him, and my takeoff is a bit shorter, but at the same RPM he will pull away from me. But the difference in cruise is not enough to make me change to a cruise prop. The Alon has a bigger useful load (1450lbs) than the standard Ercoupe, although modifications to the Ercoupe will increase the useful load. I think it has to do with landing loads more than lift ability. Many people have installed the 0200 engine in the coupes, which I think would be a good idea if the 85hp was due to be overhauled or replaced. If you have the 90hp engine, the increase wouldn't help much (I think). I don't know anything about carb jets, but several other coupers on the list have 0200 conversions. Check with Charles McKinney on Forneys. They have a neat "fifties" look to them, I think, and have been upgraded some from the Ercoupes. I am a bit biased because I have an Alon, but I intentionally set out to buy an Alon over an Ercoupe. My mechanical and general repair skills suck, so I figured a newer plane with less likelyhood of problems like missing screws, worn wiring, scratched plastic, etc (to say nothing of real problems) was the way for me to go. But they are harder to find and generally cost 2-3 thousand dollars more than an Ercoupe. You will also spend more money upgrading the Ercoupe than you will upgrading the Alon. However, there are thousands of Ercoupes providing lots of fun, and they are much better looking than a piper or cessna! If you haven't joined the Ercoupe Owners Club, you might try hooking up with someone in your area and borrowing their last two newsletters. There are usually several Ercoupes and perhaps an Alon listed in the newsletter for sale. I think there was one Ercoupe listed at $25,000 and advertised as one of the best in the country. Good luck in your search. Let us know what you end up doing. Ken Doyle Springfield, Mo Alon N5477E
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