Anyone here have or have had or even have flown 68 Cardinals?

Flown one about 30 hours. Main thing is the downward visibility is just unbelievable. Fly like 172 if i recall. I liked it, but bought Tiger as first AP

I have ~15 hours in the original 150 HP ... it is ground loving and a slug in climb. Many have been upgraded to 180 HP. Excellent upgrade!

Excellent in-flight viz.

Beware of spar carry-through corrosion.

Join Cardinal Flyers Online.

The long, flat floor rocks.

Door are big. Easy in. Easy out. They are also sails, hold onto firmly in a breeze.

The fleet is not huge. Check with CFO regarding parts availability.

My first airplane was a 68 with the original O-320. Great 2 place airplane... easy to overload given the size of the cabin. It was under powered but still a great airplane if flown light. Agreed upgrading the engine turns it into a fantastic airplane but there is a cowl exit mod that improves performance even with the original engine.

Also recommended joining CFO to learn more.

Got this for my 15 year old daughter. Haven’t seen it in person. Original. Paint looks good. 1800TT. Dog Pooh radios of course. Have to get it. Mechanic has already got it going and tended to the basic items. So far he seems impressed with condition. Was curious about engine upgrades or the power flow exhaust. Don’t want to go crazy with it. Just want it for her initial training. But obviously have to plan for contingencies. It’s fixed gear and wanted to know about the most reasonable engines options if such end up being a necessity.

Thanks for all interest and replies.

What’s the biggest engine you can put in a Cardinal? I’ve always loved their looks and efficiency but never flew one. 150-180 HP seems like not enough power.

I don't know any fixed-leg Cardinals with more than 180 HP; the RG had a 200 HP engine, which gave decent performance, but I always thought an RG with a 470 might be an almost perfect airplane. Bet we'll never know.

Someone ought to try putting an IO390 into a straight-leg 177 - it'd be a hoot. Especially if it included a constant-speed prop.

Love the Cardinal - a great-flying bird.

I think there's a TAT STC for the RG version but nothing above 180hp for the fixed gear airplane (other than minor mods). I got a few hours in a 177B and really enjoyed it.

The Cardinal looks really sleek and comfortable compared to the stock 172. The fellow that I knew who had one said the 180hp made it a really nice plane.

KJ

The Cardinal sets the standard for entry / exit ease. Improved visibility into a turn as the wing is set back compared to the other high wing Cessnas.

The 1968 model had the 150 hp Lycoming. The 1969 177A model had the 180 hp Lycoming with fixed pitch prop. The later fixed gear 177B models had constant speed propellers.

Guys who owned the 177B models have told me not to sell my 172M and buy a 177B if I am looking for more performance. They have told me that there just isn’t that much difference to justify the move.

Had two rides with my Dad in one of the 1968 models when they first came out. On one of his landings Dad commented that the tail stalled. He told the guy at the FBO and he admitted that there was a modification that needed to be done to the tail. That is what led to the slats that you see in all Cardinal stabilators.

It is a roomy, comfortable airplane. Cessna should build and market them today for all of us old guys who struggle with contorting ourselves while getting in and out of our airplanes.

So is there an available STC to put a 180 in a 150hp 68 model?

If so, does it make it the equivalent to a '69 177A?

George

Yes and Yes. There's a 68 on Barnstormers with the 180 HP conversion now for $55K. The 150 HP plane is a dog.

Yes and Yes. There's a 68 on Barnstormers with the 180 HP conversion now for $55K. The 150 HP plane is a dog.

I had the 69A. Same airplane as the 68 except for the engine. In 1970 they changed the wing and added a constant speed. Mine was the result of two wrecks put together. We took the data plate off a completely smashed one that had about 1200 hours TT and rebuilt it from the ground up with parts from another donor. It was as good as new.

Did the new wing reduce the cruise speed?

George