916 upgrade kit?

[lutorm]

I saw on Sling's website that the current TSi kit has been adjusted to assume a 916 installation and there is a 916iS upgrade kit for builders with 915-style kits. Does anyone know anything about what's in this upgrade kit and how much it costs?

[ibgarrett]

Edward would probably know the most on this issue.

My understanding is the engine mount is slightly different, so you need one of those. I *think* there is a slightly different cowling as well.

I'll ping him and see if he can respond here for the audience.

Thanks - Brian

[Edward_H]

I’ll let the distributor for each part of the world comment on price to their customers individually.

There are three main parts of the upgrade. There’s an engine mount that can handle the extra horsepower with the required safety margin. There is a new cowl that improves airflow to the intercooler. And there is a new throttle quadrant that has a third lever for controlling the MT prop (as of this writing, Slibg is only supporting the manually controlled MT hydraulic prop).

[lutorm]

Thanks Edward. So you're saying the MT prop is manually variable pitch, not constant speed?

Are the changes to the cowling extensive? I wonder if it's feasible to patch the 915 cowling if one's not afraid of fiberglass work.

[BaldCaldwell]

I believe that when Edward refers to manually controlled prop, he is referring a constant speed prop with the prop controller in the cockpit. Think of the standard blue knob.

[lutorm]

I believe that when Edward refers to manually controlled prop, he is referring a constant speed prop with the prop controller in the cockpit. Think of the standard blue knob.

Oh as opposed to a one-knob RPM-follows-throttle setup? That's OK, I'd prefer being able to control RPM anyway.

[lutorm]

FYI, I was quoted EUR ~5000 for the upgrade kit here in Europe. Total upgrade cost from the 915/Airmaster combo to 916/MT about EUR 17,000, or an extra 30% (plus tax and shipping). That's pretty steep for 20 extra takeoff horsepower... (For non-europeans, 1 EUR is currently ~1.1 USD.)

[Stingy Pilot]

I recently visited The Aircraft Factory in Torrance, CA and discussed the engine upgrade with a member of their technical team. The extra takeoff horsepower is a nice to have but the additional cost plus switching all the parts that I have already received doesn't feel justified.

Besides the extra takeoff horsepower, It appears that there is no other material performance difference between the two engines. The recent 915 engines have increased overhaul time to 2,000 (although the early serial numbers are stuck at 1,200).

I also asked about the AM propellers and why they don't match with the 916. Can't remember exactly but some issues with the AM have now been ironed out and is still recommended for the 915.

[Stingy Pilot]

Double.post

[lutorm]

The recent 915 engines have increased overhaul time to 2,000 (although the early serial numbers are stuck at 1,200).

Are you sure about this? https://www.flyrotax.com/products/915-is-a-isc-a still shows 1200h TBO for the 915.