on the RV's, why isn't the RV-6 mentioned? I'm not a Van's expert by any means, but I think it would also meet the criteria listed.

Ditto.

For $75k you might even find a 180 hp with constant speed prop. Will be a basic VFR panel though. For a 6'3" dude, methinks the tandem seat RV-8 is the roomiest of the RV line, excluding the pricey RV-10/14. You might need to adjust seat cushions, but you'll fit. Dirt cheap to fly and maintain; 165 kts TAS on 8-9 gph. Aerobatic. Fits into the pattern at DFW or into a 1500' grass strip.

The RV-4 and -6 will be a bit cheaper to buy as they're an older generation, but for comfort, they would be a tight fit.

I built my -8 from a Quick Build kit; have been flying it for 11 years and 1500+ hours... it's a keeper. Not to knock on the C-170, but fly a 170, then fly an RV... you'll throw rocks at the 170.

Don,
Friend built and flys the RV 6. May be due to size of cockpit in the larger RV’s ?

Is there anyone like Neal who’s a knowledgeable buyers rep?

Experimental ... I like it. What's a reasonable budget for such a machine with cosmetics that won't scare a layperson?

Any particular reason you picked the 8?

Is there a Neal Scwhartz of RV's

I found no Neal Schwartz equivalent in the RV world, but Vic Syracuse does excellent pre-buys and you would learn a lot about your new plane in the process.

6'3" was my reason for the -8.

I would hate to leave any airplane outside, but the RV is a tin airplane. A good canopy cover would be a must!

If you end up near KC, let me know, and you can see how you fit in my -8. They are a lot of fun. I am 6'1" with a long torso and don't have any issues with headroom. There a lot of decisions about what to get (180 vs 200hp, electronic ignition, basic VFR vs amazing electronics, on and on) and, since I am a flier not a builder, it took a while to get what I thought that I wanted and still have done quite a bit of alterations.

It can stay outside with a canopy cover but I try not to do it. But, it is done everyday, I suspect.

A RV-8 (or others) along with a Bonanza is a good combination. There isn't a lot of increased speed in the Bonanza but my wife likes the room of the Bonanza. She likes riding in the back of the -8 but is more comfortable in the Bo. The RV-8 is just very fun to fly and is docile for a taildragger.

Let me know if I can help.

John

Underpowered. Short range. C-145/O-300 is an orphan engine with a few difficult-to-find parts.

Those are the reasons not to. There are many more reasons that argue in favor. A 170 will do exactly what you said you want. Very light on the controls and fun to fly. Very easy to land and handle on the ground. It's a great 2-place and adequate 3-place. Excellent visibility over the nose on the ground and in flight. Attractive and draws a crowd wherever you go. Burns less than 8 gallons an hour. Simple systems and easy to maintain. No big expensive service bulletins or ADs. Light enough to easily push around on the ramp by yourself. 6'3" pilot will fit easily.

I own one, albeit with an O-360. A 360 is what you really want, but it adds 50% to the price and they're hard to find. You'll have a bunch of decisions to make when shopping -- A vs. B, model year, originality status, later-model seats, radios, etc.

Here's a Turbo Cessna 170, TSIO360. I just saw it on Craiglist. No connection with the seller.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/avo ... 39702.html

i would not be first in line to fly behind a single TSIO360

Who is going to be riding with you, if anyone? The RV-8 back seat is reasonably comfortable but lots of folks don't like straddling the front seat and there's less room to stretch on a longer trip. I'm 6'2" and fit in the RV-6 just fine. A lot of these "fit" issues depend on whether your height is in your torso or your legs; my height is in my torso. Best to try on the candidates before making a choice. The six cylinder 170s are smoother running than the four cylinder ones IME.

I wouldn't leave any airplane outside for an extended period of time but then I live in Texas where hot sun, ice storms, thunderstorms, high winds and hail are regular occurrences.

I just texted a Citation pilot I met at SNA who wants to sell his RV8. Hopefully he shows here. He is looking for a Bonanza. I like that choice over a 170. I like the RV7 idea also as PAX prefer side by side seating.

How does that even work?? STC? Field Approval? They didnt make a Turbo 170 did they?
And to Allen's comment, what is wrong with the TSIO360 ( I know nothing about them)?

What a coincidence, looks like the same 170 for sale in McGregor, TX https://waco.craigslist.org/avo/d/cessn ... 39255.html

Allen