Thank you Terrry Bowden

[mohawktipi]

Just wanted to say thanks to Terry Bowden (and those that worked with him) for the hard work on the STC to upgrade Tcraft L-2s from A-65 to C-85/O200. Just finished installing a C-85-12F on my L-2B and the difference is amazing. Not only does it get off the ground in a flash but I picked up almost 11 miles per hour in cruise (92 MPH @ 2350 RPM). For the two hours I have flown since the change, the fuel burn has been about the same (a tad higher) so I still have about the same range. Not only that but I now have a starter. Don't have to worry about getting help propping or tying down the tail. The best part is, I didn't have to do any major modifications. I used the same engine mount, cowling and exhaust system used with the A-65. I did not install a generator/alternator so I did not have to reroute the exhaust. If I could just figure out how to get 5 more gallons of fuel, I could have three hours range with reserve. Now that I am flying again, I plan on getting a C-85 and doing the O200 STC (another 10-15 horsepower).

[Chet Peek]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Tom, I'd like to see your plane. I have a DC-65 in very original condition, but one of these days it will go to my son in Greeley, Co and could use more horsepower there. My phone is 405-364-7351 Chet Peek

[mohawktipi]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Tom, I'd like to see your plane. I have a DC-65 in very original condition, but one of these days it will go to my son in Greeley, Co and could use more horsepower there. My phone is 405-364-7351 Chet Peek

Chet, go to the Taylorcraft photo gallery and look on the last page of the owner pictures. I have an album there with pictures of my before and after it went into military clolors.

Tom

[VictorBravo]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

I have seen the original prototype aircraft used to develop Terry Bowden's L-2 conversion, and I can attest that it is a very well done, well thought-out, and immensely practical conversion.

There is no doubt that an L-2 with this conversion becomes a whole different flying experience. This is certainly the best thing that has happened to the L-2 in a long time. It's the Taylorcraft equivalent of when they mated the Merlin engine to the P-51... it creates a much more capable and potent aircraft

I can also attest that Terry is a first rate guy. I've met him in person and spoken tohim by phone... he's a very straight shooter and I would do business with him in a heartbeat.

If I owned an L-2 this would be the first thing on the list by a mile.

[M Jones]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Excuse my ignorance and laziness for not researching more on this subject, but would an L2B with the mod still qualify as an LSA? That would be sweet.

[Dick Huish]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

All the tandems from sn 4000-5165 plus 6000-6252 (ex TG-6) qualify as LSA as the engine upgrade does not change the gross weight.Only the L-2M (DCO-65) sn 5166-5199 and 6253-6318 has the 1325 gross weight. Dick

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

I have only flown an L-2 with 85hp. I can't tell you how uneasy I would be in one with a 65hp. Our L-2 had full electrics and the weight to go with it, so I am sure it would climb much better without the extra weight. A DC-65 like Chet's with one should be a rocket ship. I have one here i still plan to build and will get a stroker 85 when done.

BTW what prop are you using?

[n6346m]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Just wanted to say thanks to Terry Bowden (and those that worked with him) for the hard work on the STC to upgrade Tcraft L-2s from A-65 to C-85/O200. Just finished installing a C-85-12F on my L-2B and the difference is amazing. Not only does it get off the ground in a flash but I picked up almost 11 miles per hour in cruise (92 MPH @ 2350 RPM). For the two hours I have flown since the change, the fuel burn has been about the same (a tad higher) so I still have about the same range. Not only that but I now have a starter. Don't have to worry about getting help propping or tying down the tail. The best part is, I didn't have to do any major modifications. I used the same engine mount, cowling and exhaust system used with the A-65. I did not install a generator/alternator so I did not have to reroute the exhaust. If I could just figure out how to get 5 more gallons of fuel, I could have three hours range with reserve. Now that I am flying again, I plan on getting a C-85 and doing the O200 STC (another 10-15 horsepower).

I too plan to upgrade my L2-B with a C-90 using Terry's STC. I would like to use a wood prop instead of metal and I'm not sure what to use. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Meanwhile any suggestion will be helpful.
As for more fuel, I thought that if perhaps the 2 gallon header tank could be made into a 6 gallon tank, that would give almost another hour in fuel. I realize that there is a cross-member in the way and it would take an STC to get that accomplished. I also have heard that the Clover Park STC to install the O-200 in an L2-M included tho additional six gallon wing tanks in the adjoining wing bays and interconnected with the original tanks. If someone could find that aircraft or its paperwork, it would be a head start.

[mohawktipi]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

[QUOTE=n6346m;52903]I too plan to upgrade my L2-B with a C-90 using Terry's STC. I would like to use a wood prop instead of metal and I'm not sure what to use. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Meanwhile any suggestion will be helpful.


I use a wood prop (Flotorp 7248). That's the same prop that was on the A-65. If/when I upgrade to the C-85 with the O200 STC, I will probably go to a metal prop. Possibly a 7250 or 7252. I am looking for faster cruise. Since I fly from airstrips of 2000 feet or longer short field performance is not a factor.

[barnstmr]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Bill, Tom, and others... I appreciate the kind words... But I must say that credit needs to go out to some others for making this happen. Certainly Dick Fischer, Dick Huish, John Collier, Gary, and Jim Calcotte have each contributed to this effort. And I would also l like to say that this project has shown me an example of the kinds of good things that can come from having a network of airplane owners who are willing to work together toward the common good. FAA certification work these days is almost too cost prohibitive for individual airplane owners to address something like this. For me, it is my livelihood and something I enjoy doing. There is a lot of work in this STC. And though much of it might have been un-necessary under the old FAA standards, its just the way things have to be done nowadays. During this project there were a lot of detail reports, inspections, analysis work and other things that take a lot of time. As a result, it took me almost a year to finish the STC because I only worked on it as time permitted between my regular day job, other side work, my family, and everything else about life. I think several people grew frustrated with the slow pace. So I thank everyone for their patience and I hope the wait is worthwhile.

[N74DV]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

Terry was also instrumental in us getting our KlipTip prop approved 2 annuals ago. We'd have had to spend alot of $$ to put on the "proper" propeller had Terry not helped with the paperwork.

Thanks again Terry!

[pftcraft]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

No wing mods..? like those required on the BC12D

[mohawktipi]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

No change in gross weight so no wing mods.

[Dick Huish]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

The L-2 wing attach fittings are already the same material as the 1500 lb B model uses. Dick

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Thank you Terrry Bowden

L-2 is already OVERKILL on the wing hardware