Citabria 360

It all started when…

This Citabria was due for an engine overhaul. It was getting tired and we were also looking for a glider towplane. It seemed like a good idea, so, we created another STC. Our newest STC allows either a conical or Dynafocal installation.

This upgrade is for 7 series Citabrias and requires an exhaust, propeller and airbox change. Modifications to the lower cowl, exhaust and airbox are required. Our cowling option makes the conversion as easy as possible.

The Dynafocal installation requires a change in motor mount, but offers more engine options.

Flight testing is still in progress, but initial takeoff and climb performance is outstanding. This airplane has proven to be an outstanding glider towplane, easily pulling our Grob 103 with two people from about 1200-1500’ of our grass strip.

The empty weight is increased by approximately 18 lbs and the empty CG does forward about 3/8” The aircraft is still operated in the original weight and balance envelope and the original operating speeds still apply.

The wing is not required to change, so the original wood wings are still acceptable.

Note: 7ECA aircraft with Continental O-200 engines will require a complete motor mount, exhaust and cowling change as well as fuel system update.

We are happy to offer technical help with your Citabria 360 installation or perform the upgrade here at our shop.

This upgrade is more extensive than the Piper upgrades, and more expensive. Engine cores must be wide deck O-320 cores such as the A2B installed on most 7GCAA and 7GCBC aircraft.O- 235 cores are not accepted. You are welcome to source an acceptable core if you have am 7ECA with am O-200 or O-235.

The exhaust from the 7ECA will not work on the 180 hp installation, so a new or serviceable used exhaust is required. The muffler from the 7GCAA/7GCBC system can be used but the downtubes most be replaced. The baffling from these engines can be modified to work, or source new baffling from ACA. (American Champion Aircraft)

The the 180 hp engine requires a cowling modification since the carburetor is taller and farther forward. Later model fiberglass cowls can be modified with minimal effort. Earlier cowls with doors require extensive modification, it is easier to replace them with the new fiberglass cowl available from ACA.

Depending on your model Citabria, there can be significant effort and cost to do this upgrade, but having more power is always worth it in our opinion.