Hi, I have purchased a near new Savage Cub, it’s pretty much in stock form except for extended landing gear. I’m currently working through my tail wheel rating in New Zealand. At some point in the future I want to upgrade to 26 Alaska bush tyres, acme aero shocks and the T3 tailwheel shock with a larger tail wheel.
Can some one recommend in what order would be the best to do the upgrades as I need to spread the cost over 12/24 months??
Thanks for any help

Congratulations! My wife and I have a Savage Cub and absolutely love it. We are based at about 6000 ft MSL and it handles the DA's here very well. As far as mods, we put the Monster Shock tail wheel assembly on with the small wide tire and it made a huge difference in handling on rough surfaces. On the front, we just finished installing the Berenger wheels and brakes. The Italian brakes are ok, but with the 26 inch tires, we had a lot of trouble getting the tail wheel to breakout in soft dirt. We kept the bungee shocks as they work well in off airport ops. I had the Acme struts on my super cub and they were great. However I don't think they are needed on a light Savage.
Some things to look at on the plane:
Some folks rig the control cables too tight and it causes heavy and stiff controls. Loosen them up a bit and you will like it.
The tail wheel steering springs can't be too tight. It makes for hyper-sensitive ground handling.
Check the rudder cables. There are pullies behind the front seat that the cables go through. They tend to fray where they go through the pully, because the rudder pedal springs under the seat are too strong (find a lighter spring). The cables are 3/32 7x19 galv or stainless steel.
Check your weight and balance. You may find that if you carry some ballast (survival equipment?) in the baggage area, when you are solo, it flies much nicer.

As for timing the installation of the mods, the tail wheel, 26 inch airstreaks and brakes would be at the top of my list. The 26 inch tires make my landings look like I know what I am doing....You don't need the brakes that much on pavement or smooth off airport stuff, but are important in rough or soft areas for maneuvering.

I have a Rans S7 so my wife and go out and play together, her in the Savage and me in the S7.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Mike

Thanks Mike for the reply, lots of great info for me there! Wasn’t even thinking about upgrading the brakes, but will now put it on the list to do.
I will go the tail wheel set up first and then the 26 tyres. Hopefully get the AOA down a bit when it’s on the ground with the taller tail wheel set up.
Will touch base if I have any other questions.
Cheers

Have now installed the tail shock and wheel. Had had to delay the 26 tires purchase with the way the US exchange rate as gone vs NZ….