How does a 150-160hp conventional gear Pacer compare to a 150/165hp 108?

I've researched the 108 extensively and am reasonably comfortable with the Franklin sourcing constraints. I know nothing of the PA20/22.

Our typical trip is <300nm from Phoenix. Redlands, CA (2-3 people) and Durango, CO (2+ski equip) are examples of our "long" trips. I can see making a single ~400nm ski trip each year to Heber, UT (2+equip). Passenger in-plane comfort is priority, speed is secondary.

The rest of the flying will be for pleasure, pop-up weekend trips, or camping. The only IFR I have any interest in doing these days is the marine layer over SoCal.

Stinson.

Many variables on both by year & model may affect your mission too.

"high gear" Pacer conversion squirrelier on the ground, but all of them will keep you honest. The Stinson is pretty docile though as taildraggers go.

That seems to be the prevailing perception. I like the 220 upgrade potential of the 108 as well. I didn't even think about the 20/22 high gear.

Thank you for the response.

What Paul said.

Rex

Stinsons are very docile taildraggers but they also have a much bigger cabin than the engine and wing are happy to haul aloft. Three pax is pushing it (at least it was in my 108-2 with the 165). Three pax with baggage and fuel is not a load I would want to carryin hot/high conditions. Never. Find one with the 180 Lyc, constant speed, and you'll sweat a lot less and be much happier.
Robin

John,

If you're interested, I have a friend with a fully restored Pacer (won a Lindy at OSH in 2011) that keeps toying with the idea of selling or trading for an XC ship. V-tails are on his radar. He knows he has way more in it than he can sell it for, but trading might work.

Scott

Sounds tempting. We'd like to "cash out" for a year or two to maneuver through an expensive phase in life, though. I'm trying my damnedest to make a fun tailwheel fit into the budget but I'm not quite there yet.

Roger that! Best of luck getting over that hump, and then finding something suitable, Mooney, Taildragger, another Bo, etc. I'm not sure if he is ready to let it go or not anyway. He bought a Pitts and that is the current center of his attention, but he rebuilt the Pacer from the ground up, so there is some attachment to it.

In the world of engine upgrades, the Pacer is cheaper because it's always had a Lycoming on it.

I know there is a 180hp STC somewhere that is not relatively expensive for the Pacer... mainly just paperwork, comparing that to putting a 180hp Lycoming on a Stinson... which costs quite a bit in STC paperwork, engine mount, exhaust etc.

I believe Stinson has the definate edge in creature comforts and smoothness... and with a 220hp, LOOK OUT!