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Culver Cadet Section => Modifications => : Tim Lunceford February 23, 2012, 12:00:21 PM

: Franklin engines
: Tim Lunceford February 23, 2012, 12:00:21 PM

Both my Cadets have the Franklin 90hp in them.  I have a brand new in the crate Franklin 0-235 of 130 hp.  It appears that it would bolt in with out much modification.  Has anyone done this?   Any thoughts if the airframe can handle the extra power?  I believe that there would be no weight increase over the stock 90hp.     Tim

: Re: Franklin engines
: Bill Poynter February 23, 2012, 01:07:52 PM

I believe the Franklin O235 was designed to bolt directly onto a Continental O200 mount. 

As for the horsepower increase, the PQ-8A used the Lycoming O290 of 125 HP.  I don't know if the fuselage was beefed up, but they sure put an ugly enlarged rudder on it. 

If you are willing to go experimental, it might be economically feasible, but I think trying to get the FAA to bless it for a standard C of A would be very difficult (expensive).   

: Re: Franklin engines
: Dan C February 23, 2012, 05:52:23 PM

The Franklin 4A-235 series came either with a bed mount, like most Franklins, or could be supplied with the rear mount to replace the Continental O-200. Aircooled Motors was far more resourceful and accommodating to customer demands than competitors. A great product for it's time. So was Studebaker....I have both.
Dan