----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Stephen,
Here's my opinion for whatever it's worth. My Ercoupe has metalized
wings, an O-200, no rudder pedals. I researched it for two full years and
choose those options deliberately. I've owned it for 6 years
and would not change anything (although a C-90 would be
fine).
I like the metal wings, particularly of you think you may leave your plane
outside much. I should point out that I'm biased because mine planes wings
are 100% flush riveted, have all flush mounted access panels (I may be
alone on that, since it's a bit over the top on an Ercoupe), and are among the
best I've seen on an Ercoupe. Just for the record, I did
NOT build the wings, Gary Dullage built them, and they are zinc
chromated inside (thanks Gary!). I tend to think that fabric adds to
cost over the long term, however it weighs about 40 lbs less than
metal. You do have to be a bit more careful about inspecting the metal
wings for internal corrosion (spar & spar caps), particularly in the
pre-purchase mode.
My Ercoupe has an O-200. I prefer either on O-200 * IF* it's
already installed, or the C-90. The C-90 performs just as well as the
O-200 and provides more options for propellers. I think the 0-200 crank
can be used in the C-90 now however the crank was an issue when I purchased
mine. I'm sure many can comment on the C-90 crank.
The 0-200 or C-90 buys you better climb than the C-85 or C-75, and are
worth while in my view. I'm not sure why but it sure seems as
if the 0-200 & C-90 give the Ercoupe a disproportionate increase in
climb. I will say that there does NOT seem to be a big difference in speed
between the various engines, although a good C-90 with a cruise prop can
probably slightly out outrun even the O-200 without giving up much in
climb. The biggest speed difference is the Alon style slidding
canopy, but than one can't fly with the 'windows down' (one of my my favorite
things about the Ercoupe).
My take is to 'just say no' to rudder pedals. You give up leg room
and they don't really do all that much for you in the Ercoupe as it is
designed. If you have short legs and really want rudder pedals for some
reason, or don't care to listen the the local airport know-it-alls give you
a bad time about 'driving' an Ercoupe, well, that's your call.
I prefer to embarrass with cross wind landings and then and humiliate them
with facts, but that's just me (I'm kidding about the humiliation part - sort
of :-) ).
Dan Hall
N3968H
I love my Ercoupe !
----- Original Message -----From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 2:26 PMSubject: Re: [COUPERS-FLYIN] performance----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----Stephen: To try to answer your questions:1. The metalized wings weight 42 pounds more than the fabric ones2. I have put a O-200 in a Coupe. It is no real problem except for the changes in the cowling. The engine mounts move the engine about 1/4 to 1/2 inch forward, so you must modify the cowling to make it fit.3. Performance is increased only in the rate of climb area. I used a 69 X 50 prop with 337 approval (The STC calls out a 69 X 48). This helped reduce the tendency to overspeed, and kept the cruise performance about equal to a well tuned C-85 or C-90.4. Rudder pedals just take up room in a Coupe. Once you learn to fly without them. They get in the way. The limited travel (inboard) really reduces their effectiveness, and they only seem to help in cross winds up to 15 knots.Lynn Nelsen============================================================================== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers/
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