Thursday, August 27, 2020

Piper Cherokee 140 Speed Mods

 Piper Cherokee 140 Speed Mods

Many speed mods were added. Some modifications help with top end speed while many help with the stall speed. 

This plane was equipped with the first generation of Speed Pants from Laminar Flow along with their power flow exhaust system. 
The fit and aerodynamic design looks fast just when just sitting still. I spend many hours waxing all of the exterior surfaces to keep a mirror finish and as slippery as possible. 
                              Stock nose wheel pant with fin. 

Wing root fairings
By smoothing the sharp junction at the leading edge of the wing, where it meets the fuselage, drag is reduced and the air over the wing is cleaner. Improvements Include: 1-2 mph increased cruise. 
There are four vortex generators on each wing to control air flow to the stabilator. 


The top of the tail and rudder cap is flush without a rotating beacon. 


The original AMR&D Art Mattson Stabilator Tips for the Piper Cherokee.

 The design is based on the drag reducing properties of the Hoerner Style wing tip, which was modified to maintain equal tip authority whether it was with up or down pressure.  The end result is an improved tip that may increase cruise by 1 to 2 mph with better stabilator authority.   They also just look real nice.     

                                                       

Aileron and stabilator gap seals
The stabilator is 3" shorter on both sides. 


Knots 2U upswept wing tips are the latest generation wing tip for the Piper series. The upsweep allows the air to "wash" off of the wing with minimal drag and prevents air from disturbing the aileron. Compared to the original rounded tips these will: Increase cruise speed 1-2 mph, Improve rate of climb 40-60 ft/min, Increase stability and handling, Reduce stall speed 1-2 mph, and reduce take-off roll.



Between the Art Mattson speed mods, Knots 2U and Laminar Flow, the combination works very well.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Piper Cherokee 140 Interior

Interior - leather and cloth
high back seats - front and rear

Matching side panels and armrests

New kick panels, carpet and trim 

Headliner, overhead console and shoulder belts 

Overhead trim and indicator, red light and interior light

Rear hat shelf and access panel
The light colored interior help dissipate the heat on hot days.

Very comfortable high back seats. Just enough cloth so you 
don't slide down the seats. I like the high back seats but it
is harder to retrieve anything from the back.

Vent in door window 

New solar glass windows
During the hot summer days it helps keep the inside 
a little cooler and they are clear at night.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Plane Power Alternator and Skytec Starter

Plane Power Alternator & Skytec Starter Installed
I had to make the bracket to support the right side engine baffle. Installed new belt and attached wiring. I still had good spacing with the Power Flow muffler.


Removed factory Chrysler type alternator

I left the Lamar adjustable voltage regulator and the
factory Prestolite over voltage control under the dash.

I removed the Magnaflite light weight starter
and installed a Skytec. The new starter weighed
about 1 1/2 lbs more. It does have more torque.  
With the Concorde RG-35AXC, Bogert cables and new
starter it starts on the coldest days on the first swing.

The aircraft was rewired and a new breaker panel
and new breakers were installed.