I spoke too soon about minimal damage... I found that my firewall was cracked once I pulled the engine. So...I've got some creative repairs facing me!

Oh well...I've been here before!

I balanced with the retracts up. I've heard both ways, but my previous experience was with a P51, so nose wheel comments did not apply. I tend to agree with krossk about checking with gear up because of the worst case scenario & the nose gear.

I find that I no longer have my plywood trees for the firewall...and I pretty well destroyed the existing piece getting it out. By any chance can anybody make me a tracing of the 2 Deluxe kit firewall pieces...or would you consider cutting me a replacement set from your originals? Obviously this would probably have to be someone who has not yet finished building their T60! I would be more than willing to pay you for your trouble...just give me a price. The replacement part is only $3.00 from Goldberg, but with a 3 week lead time and $12.00 shipping.... Surely someone out there might be able to help?

As far as my engine is concerned...I've had it with that .91FX. I went out today and bought a new one! It just was not worth risking another plane (or rebuild) given the history that I've had with it. Main trouble was bubbles in the fuel line keeping it from holding a good idle. It would have to have such a high idle that I seriously doubted anything would land! The redesigned needle valve asembly (from the heli version) is what OS is delivering with that engine now...I had already replaced the *original* needle valve once and then finally got the redesigned needle valve, but I just plain didn't trust it anymore. Gave serious thought to the .75AX since it would bolt right in to the same engine mount.....but read about so many people using the .91 and having good luck that I decided to stick with it. Call me crazy....