[Scott]

Scott on March 10, 2026 at 5:53 pm #25733

Thank you for the info, Thomas — doesn’t get any better than straight from the source!

[Thomas Dunn]

Thomas Dunn on March 10, 2026 at 4:00 pm #25732

You’re welcome Steve!

[STEVE]

STEVE on March 10, 2026 at 3:42 pm #25731

Hi Tom;
Great information; glad we talked at the NW Aviation show, and thanks for the hat!

Best,
Steve

[Kent Dellenbusch]

Kent Dellenbusch on March 10, 2026 at 11:11 am #25730

Thank yo very much Thomas.  We appreciate your input on this.

Kent  

[Thomas Dunn]

Thomas Dunn on March 10, 2026 at 8:56 am #25729

Hello everyone,

RAM’s 150hp to 160hp STC converts the older 150hp engine to a conforming 160hp engine found in more modern versions of the airplane. As such, the RAM Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement only contains information for remarking gauges in accordance with the limitations of the STC. Performance information for the 160hp engine modification can be found in the appropriate Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the airframe that came with the 160hp engine from the factory. These manuals are defined in the required equipment section of your STC.

Below are the appropriate manuals for the airframes RAM’s 150hp – 160hp STC covers.

Cessna 172 – Converts from O-320-E2D to O-320-D2J – Use a manual from a Cessna 172P from 1981 – 1986
Piper PA-28-140 – Converts from O320-E2A to O-320-D3G – Use a manual from a Piper PA-28-161 from 1977 – 2012
Piper PA-28-151 – Converts from O-320-E3D to O-320-D3G– Use a manual from a Piper PA-28-161 from 1977 – 2012

Thomas Dunn
Director of Marketing
RAM Aircraft, L.P.

[Dale Smith]

Dale Smith on March 5, 2026 at 11:47 am #25727

Hey Scott, thank you for the information! I had imagined essentially what you stated for literature on the increases but it’s definitely good to hear it. I will follow up with RAM to get my own copy of that supplement.
Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated here in the last month so I have not been able to do my ride yet, but hopefully soon…. once I get this fuel gauge working :/ :/ lol
Thanks again!

[STEVE]

STEVE on March 5, 2026 at 9:58 am #25726

Hi Scott,
Good reply; thanks for weighing in
Steve

[Scott]

Scott on March 3, 2026 at 7:14 pm #25725

Hi Dale, I hope your checkride went well!

I have a copy of this airplane flight manual supplement in my records. You’ll want to secure a copy of the flight manual supplement from RAM in order for your aircraft to be legally airworthy.

Unfortunately, the supplement does not contain much additional performance information. The document from RAM states “The performance of this airplane, equipped with a Textron Lycoming model O-320-D2A, -D3G, or -E3D (modified per STC SE8987SW) engine, is equal to or better than the original FAA approved performance.”

Regarding fuel burn, the supplement I have does not provide any information on fuel consumption. It does say that the STC allows the engine to produce a maximum of 160 hp at 2,700 rpm for takeoff (five minutes), but maximum continuous operation is limited to 150 hp at 2,650 rpm.The Lycoming Operator’s Manual for the O-320 series states that the O-320-E** and O-320-D** series burn the same amounts at performance cruise (75% power/2,450 rpm/10.0 gph) and economy cruise (65% power/2,350 rpm/8.8 gph). You could choose to flight plan for slightly more than book values for safety, and check your consumption afterward to find how much fuel your airplane actually uses. (Find it here: https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/files/attachments/O-320%2520Operator%2520Manual%252060297-30.pdf)

I’ve flown several aircraft with the RAM conversions (in addition to the Cherokee 140s like yours, RAM offers a 160 hp upgrade STC for the Piper PA-28-151 Warrior and the Cessna 172). In those 160 hp upgraded aircraft, in my experience, takeoff and initial climb performance is slightly better than what you’ll see with a 150 hp version, but using the POH takeoff and climb  charts will ensure that you’re going to be safely off the runway and over the obstacle without any guesswork.

Scott Kinney
Piper Flyer Editor at Large

[STEVE]

STEVE on February 14, 2026 at 3:26 pm #25720

Hi Dale,
I called RAM aircraft in Waco, TX asking for the any data describing performance increase numbers.
The tech support person there spent some minutes searching, but couldn’t come up with any printed information.

I next looked up the STC information.

The text in the STC says that the O-320-E2A  or -E3D engine must be modified in accordance with STC SE8987SW.
And that an FAA approved Flight Supplement No. 1084 Revision B dated Nov 14, 2006 or later FAA approved edition is required.

My suggestion, since it’s Saturday afternoon here, is to call RAM at 254 752-3307 or email RAM at info@ramaircraft.com to ask for a copy of the flight manual supplement mentioned above.

Best,
Steve

[Dale Smith]

Dale Smith on February 11, 2026 at 4:24 pm #25717

Hey everyone, I’m new here and relatively new to flying. I have recently purchased a 1966 Piper Cherokee 140 that had the RAM 160hp upgrade installed, as well as a Horton STOL kit. I am hoping to use my aircraft for my flight test on the 3rd of March but I am struggling slightly, to prepare all of the required information for/about the aircraft. Unfortunately the previous owner didn’t have much for documentation when I bought the plane. I have been unsuccessful in my searches online and I am curious to know if someone has the information regarding performance changes in relation to the printed values in the POH. 
I was able to find a copy of a supplemental certificate for the STOL kit. Basically it says that V speeds will vary from aircraft to aircraft for various factors, and that the operator should become familiar with their own plane to know and understand that changes for that specific plane. – FAIR
I am more interested however in learning the performance increases from the RAM kit. There must be printed data on take off distances, fuel burn, etc with this installed?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank you! ~