Thorp 18

Inverted25

Inverted25

Well-Known Member
Anyone ever build one of these? They are all metal builds with choice of 290 through 360 engines in them. My Uncle, dad and me are thinking about another homebuilt that would be mine once finished. I get to the pick which one since I will be paying the majority of the costs since I will keep it when finished. I'm leaning towards the S-18 version and getting the parts pre cut since they laser cut it which would be much cleaner cuts then we could do and it cuts down on build time. As for the power plants I'm thinking a O-320 and fuel injecting it making it a IO-320. And possibly elimating the magetos and using electric. If we get a core that need a overhaul I'll replace the stock cylinders with high compression cylinders to boost the HP up to 160. Any thoughts or suggestions? Won't be starting this project till next fall at earliest just trying to work out the details so we can figure out the costs involved.
 
What are the airplanes you have discounted to arrive at the S-18. I ask because the guy in the next hangar has built 3 RVs now, the latest and RV-10. He really likes the kits, the performance and the build time.
 
The Thorp's have always been interesting to me. Over at the AOPA forum's, there is a guy who has one a Thorp that has a 2 + 2 seating configuration. I seem to remember it was built by John Thorp and a co-worker of his. The guy who now owns the plane has it, and the plans that go with it. Last I heard, he was considering selling them, so it might be worth looking into, if you were so inclined. He describes it as basically the same size as the small body Mooney, but with a 1050 pound useful load, 60 gallon fuel capacity, and an O-360 that will push the plane at roughly 200 mph on 10.5 gph. Seems like it would be fun to have

22thorp.jpg
 
We ruled out the RV series for a few reasons. One we can get the entire kit for around 20k for the thorp. Thats all the parts needed minus engine, engine mount, and avonics. We figure we can get the thorp done for around 40k versus 60k for a similar RV. Yes it can do basic aerobatics but not really the purpose. With a fuel injected IO-320 the thorps cruise around 180mph at around 7 gallons a hour. With enough useful load for two average adults and full tanks. I havent really ruled out other airplanes I just have always loved the thorp. We have KR-2 that we half own with my uncle and that cruises around 165 on 4.5 gallons a hour. I'm looking for something alittle bigger though and the thorp seems to fit. I would love a RV-10 but I dont have that kind of money. I figure I can get a thorp done for around 40k and have it done within two years maybe. If you have any other suggestions for airplanes let me know. I'm really looking for something that burn between 5-10 gallons a hour and can do at least 160m mpg carrying two adults.
 
Inverted25 said:
If you have any other suggestions for airplanes let me know. I'm really looking for something that burn between 5-10 gallons a hour and can do at least 160m mpg carrying two adults.
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Perhaps a Wittman W-10 Tailwind, if you can tolerate the looks of it. I seem to remember talking to a guy who could get about 165 MPH out of his, on like 8 or 9 gallons per hour.
 
Have you flown the Thorp yet? I have some time in a T-18 and did not really enjoy it, but that's a personal preference, you may love it. I found it to be a little too touchy and relatively hard to land. I seem to recall doing 90mph on final and not being able to see anything over the nose once the flare was initiated. It was tight inside, but I'm sure that will be an issue with any plane in its class.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Thorp-T-18-Tiger/0722689/L/

Have you considered the Mustang II? My friend is just finishing his up; he considered the Thorp.

Alex.
 
Inverted25 said:
We ruled out the RV series for a few reasons. One we can get the entire kit for around 20k for the thorp. Thats all the parts needed minus engine, engine mount, and avonics
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The RV-7 kit is $20,240 and comes with the engine mount. But, I'm not trying to talk you out of a Thorp; you should build whatever turns you on.
 
The RV-7 kit is that pre punched for the rivets or not? The one thing I really love about the thorp from a builders aspect is that is comes with the holes already lined up. All you gotta do is rivets. I will have to look at the rv-7 though. I have about 20 hours in a t-18. It is alittle touchy at first but once you get used to it you can fly it with the tips of your finger. Landing it isnt really a big deal. There is a option to make it a tri-gear versus taildragger. I like the taildragger but I have alot of time in taildraggers. The only reason I would make it a tri gear is so it would be a easier transition for my uncle. As you can tell we have a idea of what we want but havent narrowed down the airframe yet. I have looked at mustang II before but never flown one. There was a completed one for sell on barnstormers awhile back that I wanted to buy but it sold before I ever got a chance to really look into it. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
Inverted25 said:
The RV-7 kit is that pre punched for the rivets or not? The one thing I really love about the thorp from a builders aspect is that is comes with the holes already lined up. All you gotta do is rivets.
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The RV-7 is pre-punched, but I'm pretty sure the holes are slightly undersized and must be drilled to final size, deburred, and dimpled before the rivets can be set.

Buy a taildragger and tell your Uncle he's going to have to learn to use his feet.
 
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