Builders,
When I mention getting a New MA3-SPA, I have not directly mentioned the source Corvair builders use: It is Sport Performance Aviation, the Panther people who provide Cranks, 5th bearings etc.
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Here is a direct link to the page on their site:
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https://flywithspa.com/product/marvel-schebler-carburetor-ma3-spa/
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Note how the appearance of a new carb is different than an overhaul pictured below. Not all overhauls are painted. The carbs are of identical mechanical design, but the one on my plane was actually made more than 50 years ago.
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Above is the MA3-SPA from my personal aircraft, when it was freshly overhauled. Notice this was $650 in 2013, and I already owned the core carb. A good condition MA3-SPA is often worth more than $500; add a $650+ overhaul to this and it is getting toward 75% of the cost of a brand new one from SPA/Panther.
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A number of Corvair Builders, particular Panther pilots, have selected a new MA3, because they make sense at a certain cost point, and they are not part of issues like this: Safety Alert: Excessively Rich MA3-SPA Jetting. which applied to 32 overhauled MA3’s a few years ago.
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If you are interested in MA3’s, read the stories I share about them, but going forward in 2020, I recommend that builders use a new one. We have lower cost options like the Rotec, and there are individual cases where builders will find a very good condition used one, where we can verify its operation with a test run on my engine stand, but if you like the qualities of a MA3-SPA, I personally think that getting a new one makes the most sense. You can Call SPA at 904-626-7777 and get price and availability on the phone, or order one direct off their site.
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