Maybe have mentioned this before: 1968 Cardinal 150hp, very original. Very low time.

Nice paint. Pretty ratty interior. Around 1900TT. Quite original, very little working avionics. Yet it has a STOL kit.

Not sure it’s worth putting much money into. A 180HP upgrade sure sounds fun, but I’d have to imagine you’d be underwater quickly.


As to what to do with it, I’m very uncertain. Had bought it for 15 year old daughter to train In, but I don’t think the interest level is adequate.

Seems to fly just fine.

Options—thoughts?

Assuming 1900 on the engine, as well?

Yes sir.

More pic

Depending on which engine it has, you can put the high compression pistons in and bring it up 160 hp, but I would look at the wing carry thru some the 177 and 210 have had issue with corrosion in that area. I know you have not reached the required time limit for the inspection, but it is good thing to look at during the annual review Cessna SEL-57-07.

Also if it has been siting for a long time I hope you are getting it cheap, you could have engine corrosion, or expensive first annual.

Like you said it needs some work, it is good you are asking questions.

I think the Cards with the bigger engine, upgraded or from the factory, are pretty sought after birds.

If airframe is sound, I would tend towards seeing it as "upgrade worthy".

Of course, you won't get all your money back, but when has that stopped any cleared eyed aviator before?

You would be better off shopping for a later B model which will have the 180 hp Lycoming and a constant speed propellor. By the time you buy this one, get the engine done and replace the junk avionics with modern gear, you could have just purchased the B model and been ahead of the game.

It's a Utah plane. It's whole life out west. We've put about 35 hours on it in the last three weeks. Airframe is very clean. Engine seems quite solid too. Interior needs attention. Panel too. Probably a great candidate for a 180 conversion, but you'd probably lose money by getting too deep in upgrades. Not really sure what to do w it. Your piston idea sounds interesting.

Needed to add some weight to replace front tire.

Is there an IO-390 STC for the 177? I've heard great things about that engine in the RG

Don’t forget about the carry through spar inspection. Pulling the headliner will reveal a lot of history.

John you might notice from my profile I have some interest in this topic.

If you have not yet done so I strongly recommend you join Cardinal Flyers Online. An incredible resource for a very modest annual fee. The technical information and support is unparalleled. My membership has paid for itself many times over.

The Cardinal is a lovely plane. Very comfortable, lovely to fly and a stable instrument platform.

I think he already owns it.

Yes, I believe so. I spoke to a mechanic about it and he wasn’t much of a fan. Said cylinders were crazy expensive. I can’t vouch for that.

Would be nice to make an experimental out of it and have some more flexibility on upgrades. I’ve hard that can be done, but know nothing about it.