OK, OK... "chrome is for sissies"
Besides- I haven't run across a nice lexan cowling....
(I'll just get some cool neon lighting to put up under the cowling... maybe some around the gear-wells....oh yeah! and a big sub-woofer so I can pull up to the parking area with a "thump-thump"!!!
)
Seriously (and expensively!): I'm going to go ahead with the factory reman. Also, I've decided to replace the cowling entirely. Mine has numerous cracks, dings, wallered-out holes, drill-stops, "band-aids", etc. And, every time we take it off, it just seems even worse-off for it. Yeah, I could fix it I suppose... But what fun would that be?
Dave Pratt's Eagle cowling and exhaust is the ticket I think. As pricey as it is, I doubt I'd be doing it "all by itself", but like I said before: ...it's easy to just keep peeling-off dollars when the whole wad is out of your pocket eh? (sheeesh...I'm going to have to ask my therapist if there's real pathology here!!
)
Anyway, I like the looks of the Eagle cowl, and I've seen one here in Altus that I had the opportunity to inspect, including opening it up and all that. Do I buy into all the performance claims? Hmmmm....I guess I'll find out won't I?
The plan is to go ahead and change the engine out in late October (provided it's available by then). In the meantime I'll order the exhaust kit and install it here before making the trip to APP for the cowling.
I plan on refurbishing the firewall and everything forward. While I don't like the idea of putting old scat tubes and baffling back on, etc... that's the way it will go I think, as APP will be installing most of that stuff during the cowl installation.
I'll be sending out the engine mount bracket for inspection and powder coating. Should I go with Witt PC or Kosola?
Any opinions on starters? My first choice so far is the SkyTec NL model.
Of course I'll be putting on new Lord engine mounts.
I am wondering about firewall blanket material. While my first inclination is to go with some as "bright and shiny" as possible, I'd like to get your opinions on what actually works best over time.
The fuel pumps will get replaced.
Any more input as to how this evolution should go is greatly appreciated. Of course I'd like to here more from folks who have actually done it! (No offense!)
I
promise to post pics and report progress when we actually "put the keys up" and start work!
Thanks again all!
-Chris
