320 B vs 360 A

[Throttle Pusher]

I'm going to be upgrading my engine on my PA-22 135.
i'd like to pick your brains alittle.
What is the prformance difference between the 320 B and the 360 A,
and would a 320 B with the Leading Edge Exuast be a good alternate for a 360?
I would like to change it to a PA 22-20 but I'm looking at all my options.
Any help is appreciated
Thanks

[Steve Pierce]

I think it would be difficult to get an O-360 approved in the PA22 but the O-320B is on the Type Certificate Data Sheet. I know Steve's Aircraft has an STC to install the O-360 on a PA22/20. http://www.stevesaircraft.com/180pacer.php Hopefully Brian will post especially about the performance using the constant speed prop. I have not flown a 180 hp Pacer but I bet it climbs well. I wonder what kind of speed increase it gets. I know going to Alaska The Stewart's 180 hp Pacer burned a whole lot less gas than the 150 and 160 hp models. Cathy got her license in a 160 hp Tri-Pacer and it was a great performer.

[stevesaircraft(Bri)]

Performance, OFF THE CHART..!!!

The constant speed Pacer belongs to a good friend of ours. We personally own a fixed pitch 0-360 powered Pacer. I can give you a few performance numbers based on both airplanes. With me (and I am no lightweight at 260) and dad (at 160) with half tanks on a 80 degree day (1400 ft elevation) I saw 2000 FMP at 80 MPH climb out with the constant speed prop. Our fixed pitch 0-360 Pacer will climb about the same for about 1000 feet. After that the constant speed one will start to out climb the fixed pitch one. Once the constant speed airplane is leveled out and the manifold pressure set to 24 inches at 2400 RPM I have seen a cruise of 145MPH on the GPS with a fuel burn of about 8-9 GPH. You have to be real careful with the constant speed to not go over redline when at cruise. Our fixed pitch 180 typically cruises at 125 - 130 with a 56 pitch prop. All in all, the constant speed prop makes a rocket ship out of a Pacer.

I have the control surfaces off the constant speed Pacer in the shop getting recovered in Stewart Systems. I did the fuselage last year in Stewarts and we did the wings 2 years ago in Poly. When we redid the wings we added the Dakota 24 gallon tanks. When I get her done this time, I will get some updated pictures and maybe a video.

Brian

[Throttle Pusher]

Thanks for the Info.
I was thinking on a fixed pitch prop for the wieght saveing on the airplane as well in my wallet.
Sounds like the constant speed would be much better in the performance and the fuel burn, Oh well.
I've had my eye on the Dakota 24 gal. tanks as well, how much wieght did they add to your empty wieght?

Ken

[stevesaircraft(Bri)]

Ken,

We weighed the aircraft before we did the conversion and it came in at 1247...That is with a full AirTex interior. The last weigh in with Dakota Tanks, our Skylight Mod and the 0-360 A1P engine with constant speed prop was at 1259. Currently configured it has a 741 pound useful load with a 2000 lbs gross weight. We have removed quite a bit of weight in taking off the old RazorBack fabric and I know that it could be lighter yet if I can get the other 0-360 models approved on the STC.

[Throttle Pusher]

Nice airplane.
I think Ill go with the fixed pitched criuse prop and criuse at 8 GPH and see where that puts me speed wise.
(Wish the Aero-matic prop could be used on the 360)
What I want is to be able to go into most of the strips in Idaho at 1950 lbs and get back out with a good margine
of safety. Right now I go in and out with me and my dad or wife and camping gear with the O-290D.
I can do alot of the strips in Idaho back country safely, But would like...OH alot more performance.

O-360 A1P, I dont know much about the differences of the A sieres 360, Witch would be the lightest?
Thanks
Ken

[Pacer42Z]

I have a 160 HP wide deck with the Sutton Exhaust system on my Pacer with a 74X58 fixed pitch prop. Are any of you aware of a constant speed prop I could use?

Juergen
Pacer 3342Z

[Throttle Pusher]

Mr Juergen
I'm getting ready to upgrade and I'm getting what ever info I need to make my final
dicission on wicth way tyo go.
With your 160 hp what speeds do you normaly criuse at and what is the fuel burn.(as well as climb rate.)
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ken

[Pacer42Z]

Ken:

I indicate 115 KTS at 6,000 feet at about 60 F, but I think my AI is a little optimistic. I file for 110 KTS and that always works fine. I often fly between 10,000 and 12,000 feet to get out of turbulence, haze or out of the clouds and I see better than 500 F/M climb at those altitudes. Throttle pushed all the way in still gives me almost 2,700 RPM at that altitude. With just me and full fuel (56 Gallon) at 60 F at 800 feet above sea level I get 1,000 to 1,200 F/M climb at 65 KTS. I cruise between 2,450 and 2,500 RPM and see between 7.5 and 8 Gallon per hour fuel burn. Hope this helps.

Juergen
Pacer 3342Z