aviation performamce cowling

[kota]

I am thinking about putting a ap cowl on my 260 can I here from the folks that have put one on, and tell me the pros and cons
does it really give a performance increase? I read 5 to 15 % but i want to here from someone If it really does! How about cooling does anyone have any problems
with over heating? etc
Kota

[Jim Worley]

Kota,
My 61 250 had an APP cowl on it when I purchased it so I can't speak to performance improvement. I don't have cooling problems. I have a slightly high 5&6 cylinder, but I'm pretty sure it's my baffles and not the cowling. I really like the cowling. No cowl flaps is a great thing. It looks cool, is very distinctive, and goes off and on very easily when MX is required. In 10-15 minutes I can have the nose completely uncowled. I've never went out and done a max speed test. These are my normal cruise numbers.

2400 RPM, 153 KTAS, WOT, 10-15 deg LOP
8.5K - 9.5K MSL - 11.2 GPH - 66% power
10.5K - 11.5K MSL - 10.7 GPH - 65% power
12.5K - 13.5K MSL - 10.1 GPH - 61% power

From my very limited Comanche perspective, I would recommend it.

v/r
Jim

[kota]

Thanks Jim
It sure sounds like it is easy to remove for work, the stock cowl takes some work to remove
what altitude is your cruse numbers at? It also sounds like your cruse # are close to book numbers.

I hope some more folks will give some more info on how well it really improves top speed.
one never knows about speed mods, you here allot both ways.
Kota