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.

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.

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.

Sensenich Propeller with the world famous Art Mattson prop tip mod

Propeller: Sensenich 74-DM6-0-62

Pitched for cruise performance.

Sensenich Prop with Art Mattson Tip Mod (STC)

The reshaping of the tip reduces the tip turbulence that causes drag, making the propeller more efficient.  This modification is like getting more horsepower. Typically after modifying the tips, two inches of pitch can be added without affecting the takeoff or climb performance.  The modification itself acts like adding an inch of pitch, therefore when repitching two inches it’s the same as re pitching three inches for cruise.  This converts to 4 to 6 mph.

Composite backing plate, mounting plate and spinner.

Very lightweight and saves on rotating mass.

Power Flow Exhaust System

The Power Flow Exhaust system has increased the power and fuel economy.

The stainless steel finish is easy to keep clean and looks great.

I am very happy with the heat and defrost from the Power Flow setup. The tuned exhaust pipes helps with the efficiency. Power Flow claims to add 15-20% horsepower. This engine does perform like a 180hp. I figure 8.0 gallons per hour at 2450 rpm level cruise. Leaned out and higher altitudes, it does better. 

The exhaust is angle downward and is extended to keep the cabin a little quieter. It also keeps the bottom of the plane cleaner from oil and exhaust.

Lycoming 0-320-D2A 160 H.P.

In 2004 a New Lycoming 0-320-D2A 160 H.P.  Red/Gold motor by Teledyne Mattituck Services was installed.

All parts and accessories were new at the time of installation.

Against the firewall is a pre-oiler to build 30 psi of oil pressure before the engine is started.  Fine wire spark plugs along with the Power Flow exhaust make excellent power and great fuel economy.

Motor mount frame was powder coated. Fire wall was painted with a texture paint that is very easy to keep clean.

Instrument Dash Panel

When EAA restored this airplane, they replaced or overhauled all of the gauges, added new yokes, throttle quadrant,  switches, breakers, wiring and new placards.

Standard VFR six pack with a new glare shield.

1969 Piper Cherokee 140

Today I wanted to start sharing my adventures in aviation. I am in the process of getting my private pilots license. I purchased N-50YR in August of 2016.

This aircraft was EAA's 50th year sweepstakes give away in 2005. EAA completely refurbished the aircraft from top to bottom, inside and out.
It has over 35 STC's for speed mods and other upgrades.

I didn't win this airplane.  I purchased it from a broker who was selling it for the winner. He kept up with the annuals but only put on 50 hours of tach time in the 10 years he had it.

I look forward to having you follow along in my adventures and please post your comments and let me know if you have any questions.

"Because in a split second, it's gone" Ayrton Senna

Jim