Citabria New citabria project

[jeff07w]

Hey guys,
I just joined the forum and am happy to find as much info as I can…. I previously owned a Viking and just bought a citabria project…it’s a 67 7eca

a few questions:
Seems like there are quite a few options for engine upgrades who has the stc and what is the easiest option? I currently have the 0-235

anybody have links to pdf’s of airfrmame parts manual and engine manual?

 

[Bob Turner]

Easiest option is the engine you have. If you want to go straight up, look in to the 160 hp O-320. Be aware that it won't make the airplane any more fun, and will add to your fuel bill, but it will really climb well. You won't be able to carry as much stuff, because the engine is heavier, and you may have to get bigger fuel tanks.

 

[Ron86654]

HO Aviation has a STC for the O-320-A2B. That is what I used for my conversion. It is possible to install the A2B without a STC as it is on the TCDS. Others have done this. If you go this route make sure you make all the other changes required. The easiest way to find what changes are needed is to buy the HO STC. The only way you can put 160 hp on it is to buy factory metal wings.
So far I have been burning about the same amount of fuel/hour as I did with the 235, but all I do is training. Don't know if that would hold for cross country flying.
I went the 150 hp route because I wanted to get out from under the expensive O-235-C1 engine.
You can get all the manuals from the Bellanca-Champion Club; Bellanca, Citabria, Bellanca-Champion Club Official Site

 

[Bob Turner]

My experience is 6 1/2 gph with the smaller engine and 10 gph with the 150 (same as my 180). The 160 seems to be a 7 1/2 gph engine. I want one for my Decathlon. It will probably stay 180 until I croak.

 

[aftCG]

My experience is 6 1/2 gph with the smaller engine and 10 gph with the 150 (same as my 180). The 160 seems to be a 7 1/2 gph engine. I want one for my Decathlon. It will probably stay 180 until I croak.

My A2B 150hp never burned 10gph even WOT. I flight planned for 6.5gph
And I disagree on the fun factor. Jumping off the ground under 350' and climbing at 1000+fpm always made me smile. I will say it didn't make the plane much faster in cruise but I could never see myself in an O-235 plane.

 

[Ron86654]

I just checked my figures for my A2B for August, 7.7 gallons per TACH hour. That is all training, Spins and Pattern work. That will work out to around 6 Gal/clock hour.

 

[Bob Turner]

Super Cub flying for me would be much more fun at 6 gph. Even my tiny C-85s burn close to 5 gph. I am somewhat different; I cannot get the performance that a lot of folks can. I have heard of folks who can get a Super Cub airborne in 75 feet - it takes me almost 300' with the 180 Super Cub. A nd my Super Decathlon never comes anywhere close to 135 kts cruise.
Sigh!

 

[volvo164]

I'm thinking if one day I do upgrade to a 160 O-320 (I have ACA wings) - I would pitch the prop for cruise.

 

[Big Ed]

I had a 160 hp Decathlon CS and it was a wonderful plane. Maybe a bit slow to climb with 2 heavy guys inside, but great performance solo and nicely balanced.

My current 180 hp Super Decathlon is a good performer too, but the useful load is less. Two grown men and half tanks is 80 pounds over gross.

I get 8 to 9 GPH in cruise depending on how I fine tune the power. I used to run 75% but lately have been dialing it back to 70% or less, and finding it makes a big difference in comfort and noise. I have never had the guts to try and stretch it, but I think I might be able to do an honest 4 hours plus reserve at 70%.

Getting the hankering for an engine monitor. Don't really need it, but who doesn't like more gauges?

 

[jeff07w]

Well a year later… she’s done…