Stinson 108s are well known for their excellent control harmony and super smooth engine. They are also very strongly built, although like any large tube and fabric aircraft they are very labor intensive if a total airframe rebuild/recover is required. They are not fast, 100 mph or a bit more, but are relatively easy to fly and carry a good load. The wing is notable for having slots, which make the ailerons work well but probably contribute to the low cruise speed.
They are small inside, particularly in the back, relative to their outside dimensions. Some were sold as 'flying station wagons' and had quickly removable rear seats.
Some had 150 HP Franklin engines from the factory and some had 165 HP. An issue with the Franklins is original type crankcase versus heavy case. The heavy cases don't crack. Franklin was sold to the Polish in the mid-70s, but they never did a lot with it and don't 'support' the engines. On N-register the Franklins are more-or-less maintainable on C of A using STC'd and reworked used parts. Quite a few of them have been converted to Continental O-470 engines (same as a C182) and this is apparently a very nice conversion, popular in Alaska.
Some like the small fin pre -3 models better, some prefer the -3. Neither is considered clearly better.
Beautiful stately aircraft.
PS the Stinson 105 was the prewar version - a three seater with a smaller four cylinder engine, either Franklin or Continental.
Last edited by Silvaire1; 22nd Jan 2014 at 01:59.