Hey guys, I have purchased a used Pilot 30% Extra 330 (88") and will be picking it up next month. I know the new 31% is designed for the DA70, and was wondering if anyone has put one in the 88" and if so, how much cutting is required to the cowl? Is this too much engine for this airframe?? Any advice from someone that has or has had the 88" would be great! Don't want to buy engines twice!
Thanks!
Mike

I own a Pilot 30% 88" Extra 330 SC. I have about 125 flights on it using a DLE 55RA with a rear dump Prow Flow canister. I'm using a 23x9 Falcon CF prop. The DLE 55 RA spins that prop considerably faster than what a DA 50 will. We have similar airframes at our club with the DA 50 and they can't touch my plane with speed or pull out power. I'm not sure about the DA 70 fitting in the cowl but I'm sure it would. I can't see the cowling being much smaller than the 91" plane so it should but would be really over powered. I don't lack in any power with mine but do see the advantages of having a smoother running twin. Also when you start adding extra weight for the engine and exhaust components you will make it a heavier plane with not that much more power to weight ratio. I think the DA 70 is definitely the choice when going to the planes that are closer to 19 or 20 pounds in and around 94". My Extra 330 with the DLE 55 RA and canister weighs in at 18 1/4 pounds ready to fly and the performance is incredible.

I picked up an 88" Pilot Extra 330 in December and installed a DA 70 with a 2n1 header and large Proflow canister muffler in it. No cutting was required on the cowl. It is turning a Falcon 24x9 prop. I'm very happy with the power of this setup. It is also very quiet.

Don

Thanks for the info! The plane is actually for my 15-year-old son who is only been flying a short time. I have seen videos with a DA 50 flying with not too much trouble, but I haven't had too much luck with single cylinder engines. Prefer the smoothness of the twin. I've heard great things about the DA 70. I've had the DA 100L on my extra for three years without a single minute problem. Probably 250 flights or more.

Originally Posted by rarcdon

I picked up an 88" Pilot Extra 330 in December and installed a DA 70 with a 2n1 header and large Proflow canister muffler in it. No cutting was required on the cowl. It is turning a Falcon 24x9 prop. I'm very happy with the power of this setup. It is also very quiet.

Don

How is the CG with the DA 70? Any problems balancing?

I didn't have any issues with CG. I'm using dual A123 packs located just in front of the wing tube on either side of the fuel tank. The ignition is on a Tech Aero unit. It also has a pilot bust in the cockpit.

Don

Originally Posted by rarcdon

I didn't have any issues with CG. I'm using dual A123 packs located just in front of the wing tube on either side of the fuel tank. The ignition is on a Tech Aero unit. It also has a pilot bust in the cockpit.

Don

Nice! Do you know what drop you used on the 2-1 header? Sorry for all the questions....
Mike

I have an Extreme Flight 30% extra and ran a 60CC twin, good combo.

Originally Posted by acerc

I have an Extreme Flight 30% extra and ran a 60CC twin, good combo.

No holes in cowl needed to be cut for sparkplugs?

Originally Posted by Simonpeter

No holes in cowl needed to be cut for sparkplugs?

Nope! Engine with caps is 10-3/4" wide and cowl is 11".

Originally Posted by acerc

Nope! Engine with caps is 10-3/4" wide and cowl is 11".

Awesome! Thanks!

Check your engine of choice, they are not all the same, mine was an RCGF. There is also a CRRC 55cc twin, very strong and not as wide as the RCGF.

I originally had the DA 70 with a 60mm drop 2n1 header and a large Proflow canister in a 91" Extreme Flight Extra. I eventually came across a great deal on the 88" Pilot Extra 330 and put all the gear in it.

NO holes are required in the cowl of the 88"Pilot Extra330 for a DA 70.

Don

Originally Posted by rarcdon

I originally had the DA 70 with a 60mm drop 2n1 header and a large Proflow canister in a 91" Extreme Flight Extra. I eventually came across a great deal on the 88" Pilot Extra 330 and put all the gear in it.

NO holes are required in the cowl of the 88"Pilot Extra330 for a DA 70.

Don

Thanks Don....I plan on picking up the DA 70 at Nall, just wanted to be sure no cap holes needed.

Mike