Retrofit lights into a patrol and 160hp performance questions

[MTFly2065]

How hard would it be to retrofit lights (legal for night flight) into a completed patrol? I've been glancing at a patrol that does not have lights. It does have an existing electrical system. Those of you owners and builders care to comment?

Any performance concerns with the 160hp 0-320? seems to be a lot in this configuration for it to be an issue. currently based at 3k feet and mountains of 7k-8k foot that would need cleared regularly. Is this 180hp territory?

Thanks!

[AKKen07]

I imagine running wires for wingtip lights would be the biggest hurdle. I don't k ow how you'd do that without opening up the wing skins. Maybe a more creative person could figure that out. If you have the wires run a 3-in-1 wingtip light set would satisfy the FAA, then fabricating a landing light mount on the cowling (or some external mounted ones) would check that box. Plus more wiring.
No idea about the performance question.

[jaredyates]

I added lights to our current plane after it was flying, and it was not a big job. I ran the wires aft of the spar and could reach all of the ribs to add supports and insulating bushings through inspection holes.

A 160hp Patrol will be a very nice plane. If Bob had said you can run anything between 120hp and 180hp, 160 would still sound like a lot. Instead, he specifies a range where it will perform well, unlike Piper who was happy to sell you a 140hp Cherokee when that was clearly not enough. Look at just about any other plane in its weight class and mission and I suspect you'll see a broad range including many below 160hp.

[MTFly2065]

I added lights to our current plane after it was flying, and it was not a big job. I ran the wires aft of the spar and could reach all of the ribs to add supports and insulating bushings through inspection holes.

A 160hp Patrol will be a very nice plane. If Bob had said you can run anything between 120hp and 180hp, 160 would still sound like a lot. Instead, he specifies a range where it will perform well, unlike Piper who was happy to sell you a 140hp Cherokee when that was clearly not enough. Look at just about any other plane in its weight class and mission and I suspect you'll see a broad range including many below 160hp.

really appreciate that insight

[Bcone1381]

Any performance concerns with the 160hp 0-320? seems to be a lot in this configuration for it to be an issue. currently based at 3k feet and mountains of 7k-8k foot that would need cleared regularly. Is this 180hp territory?

Thanks!

I echo what Jared said, but I have no experience with a O-320, just an 180hp IO-360 with a constant speed prop. With that being said, it Sounds like your concern is climb performance. I think Prop Choice can mitigate the climb issue but it will effect cruise and cruise efficiency. Curious What your empty weight is?

i'd also like to add to those who are thinking about powerplant/prop choice, I echo what 500alg says. Build all the performance into your aircraft. For a Patrol, the O-360 with a Constant speed prop does that without taking the CG too far forward.

[MTFly2065]

I echo what Jared said, but I have no experience with a O-320, just an 180hp IO-360 with a constant speed prop. With that being said, it Sounds like your concern is climb performance. I think Prop Choice can mitigate the climb issue but it will effect cruise and cruise efficiency. Curious What your empty weight is?

I'd also like to add to those who are thinking about powerplant/prop choice, I echo what 500alg says. Build all the performance into your aircraft. For a Patrol, the O-360 with a Constant speed prop does that without taking the CG too far forward.

It already has a constant speed prop. So that should be helpful with climb and cruise configuration.

The add says 1050 useful load, so that would be 950 empty if that is correct.

[rodsmith]

At that weight, should be a good performer with 160HP and CS prop.

[Bearhawk Aircraft]

We have added them to several. Not a big deal, run wires and mount lights. Our drop in landing light kit will fit and can be installed in a complete wing. Wingtip lights are the easy part. We can send you care package if needed.

[500AGL]

I would expect something is off a touch on the weight numbers provided. Not sure you can build a Patrol with a CS prop at 950 empty.
-Was this a kit build or a stick build?
- 320 with a CS is a rare combination but it may work.

Typical patrol with 360 and CS prop will be 1150-1300 lbs on bushwheels.