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Firefly with 503?

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Tony Vitiello

Joined: 02 Apr 2014
Posts: 16

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 3:48 pm Post subject: Firefly with 503?

I've been following the Kolb list for years but this is my first post.  I'm a private pilot (not officially current) and have been flying my Quicksilver Sprint single seat for the past 2 years.



I've had my eyes on Kolbs for years and I like all of them but am currently considering building a Firefly or Firestar II.  I've had the chance to fly a friends Firefly and couldn't believe how well it handled.  I've been told the Firestar II handles well also but does not have the same "sports car" responsiveness of the Firefly.



I have a low time late model 503 DCDI in my Quicksilver and due to the lack of new 447/503's I'd probably like to use this engine in my Kolb.  I've talked to Travis at Kolb about using a 503 in a Firefly and other than making it a bit overweight for part 103 he said it would work fine.  



That brings me to my question.  Has anyone on this list ran a DCDI 503 in a Firefly?  If so, how did it work out?  Any issues with the additional weight or power?  Does anyone have photos of the 503 installed?



I could convert the 503 to single carb to lower the weight and HP a bit.  I do like the redundancy of the dual ignition though.



I have not ruled out the Firestar II which the 503 is perfect for but I will be flying solo most of the time and the guys that have flown both the Firestar II and the Firefly really like the Firefly.

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_________________
Tony Vitiello
St. Louis, MO

beauford173(at)tampabay.r
Guest

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 4:32 pm Post subject: Firefly with 503?

Brother Vitiello:



When ordering my Fly kit from the original Kolb in 1998, there was a

discussion about making certain

that my cage was constructed with the .035 wall thickness chromoloy, versus

the .028 which was, as I

recall, standard on the Fly back then. Eventually mounting a 503 on it was

an option that had occurred to me

and Kolb obliged me by using the heavier tube for my cage.



It could be worth checking to see what wall thickness is currently in use

for Fly cages and whether options are available

which could offer an advantage for carrying the larger engine.



Worth what ye paid fer it, sir...



Beauford

FF-076, N173BW

Brandon, FL

..



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Tony Vitiello

Joined: 02 Apr 2014
Posts: 16

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: Firefly with 503?

I believe that Travis told me that all of the Fireflies are now built with the heavier wall tubing.  I'll verify that before ordering.  



So you built yours with the 503?  How did it work out?

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_________________
Tony Vitiello
St. Louis, MO

beauford173(at)tampabay.r
Guest

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 6:12 pm Post subject: Firefly with 503?

Brother Vitiello:

No sir... My apology for the misunderstanding. 



I used the standard 447, but I wanted to preserve the option of putting a

503 on it later if

I should become excessively prosperous in my dotage and need the additional

push later. 



As things turned out, I have found that the 447 works just fine.



Beauford

Do Not Archive



If you forward this e-mail, please remove my name before sending it...  I

promise to do the same for you...

Thanks...

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Tony Vitiello

Joined: 02 Apr 2014
Posts: 16

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: Firefly with 503?

Oh, I see.  After flying my friend's Firefly with a 447, I completely agree that the 447 is more than enough power.  In fact, the only reason I'd use the 503 instead is that it has dual ignition and I have a 503 that I know the history of.  If I could get a brand new 447 I'd probably lean that direction.  I appreciate your input.



So anyone actually have a Firefly with a 503?

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_________________
Tony Vitiello
St. Louis, MO

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