I want a 912 powered Model 4 Kitfox-1200

[herman pahls]

I have been searching for years (and so have many others) for a Model 4 Kitfox 1200 long wing with either a 80 or 100 HP 912.
I have been flying a Model 2, 582 powered Kitfox for years.
Most of these aircraft must change hands without being advertised on Barnstormers, Trade a Plane, Ebay.....
There is a Model 4-1200 (red, white and green colored) that formerly flew with a 912S but is being advertized on Barnstormers for $17,500 in Texas without the engine or prop. The colors are not my favorite but the value seems to be there if it did not cost thousands to ship to Oregon.
The owner said that this Kitfox weighed 750 pounds with the 912S which seems heavy.
A new 912S sells for $20,000..
There is a mid time 912 with high compression pistons on Barnstormers for $9000.
The 912 engine installation kit from Kitfox sells for $4300..
An IVO prop sells from $800. to $2500..
With a used 912 this would turn into a $35,000 Kitfox and with a new 912 a $45,000 project
I would appreciate this forums opinions and advice.
Thanks
Herman

[Peteohms]

I know the plane you are looking at. Don't like the paint colors but it seems well built and and the paint was done well. I've seen this plane many times at fly ins. Talked to the owner and he said he blew his engine but landed safely.

My plane is in need of a new paint job and maybe a recover. If this plane had a different paint scheme, I'd consider it myself.

[Av8r3400]

We can always change your handle to PapaMurphy…

Even at your $45k estimate it's still an economically viable scenario.

[GWright6970]

Herman,
Like you I looked for a long time, wanting a finished aircraft, or at least close to it. That was fruitless.

I finally decided to just get the first Model IV-1200 "in progress" kit that showed up on Barnstormers... and so here I am, almost two years into the project, and I will have more in it financially than your estimate using this aircraft and the used 912 engine on Barnstormers. AND!!! You will be flying before me! I am guessing at this rate, I'll be flying my 40 hours in the fall of 2014.

For you: I'd go for it.

Cheers,
Grover

[herman pahls]

Larry
You had me going on the Papa Murphy till I Googled.
You must live in a bigger town than I.

Are those $20-$30,000 Kitfox's powered by 912's?
If so I have been missing out, so I will keep looking.

How does this forum feel about the 80HP 912's with the high compression
pistons from Mastercraft?
Do these engines perform and achieve TBO similar to the 912S?
Thanks for responding.
Herman

[t j]

I would love to put a 912 on my model 4 but for me the 503 is what I can afford. It flys great!

[Timberwolf]

I know of the KFIV you are talking about. It's a IV-1050 that looked like it needed quite a bit of work cosmetically...and I imagine mechanically. It was offered to me for $21K when I had a post up looking for one.

I was in the same boat looking for the last year for a KFIV-1200 with a 912. I sat down and evaluated exactly what I wanted to do with my next aircraft. The kitfox really didn't fit my needs vs wants. I ended up purchasing a larger experimental that fit in my mission set a bit better. Also at a cheaper price than the KF's are going for. There is a reason they hold their value, but for me it wasn't worth spending the extra money for a plane that didn't completely mesh with my intended use. Good Luck in your search

[Wheels]

Hi,
I fly your plane. I bought it for 25k and put another 12k into her to make her pretty and smart.
She is in my family until I turn her into a lamp and worth every penny.
I installed ethonol resistant tanks and a total new fuel system.
cargo, pod, paint, grove gear, tailwheel spring, and repairs from my foolishness. If you find a plane flying and well built for 30k I'd snap it up and nurse it into your dream bird. I love mine.
good luck