Which Rotax engine for your RV-12iS fuselage?
 

I received a notice from Van?s saying they need to know what engine I?ll be using before they ship my RV-12iS fuselage kit. I?m still on the fence on this. I like that the 912iS has fuel injection (no carb floats), better climb rate, and better fuel economy. But lighter weight and a $5,000 savings make the 912 ULS attractive, too. Which one would you choose?

Thanks!

If you were building a house, would you go with tile or granite counter tops?

Look at it this way..... California is going to charge you $1000.00 more than that in taxes when it gets registered.

It might depend on what resale value means to you?

The iS has a larger alternator, if that matters to you.

Mark, let's talk. I'm on the same fence.

If you were purchasing a new vehicle, would you consider archaic pre '70s engine management? You are getting more than fuel injection with the 912is.
One day, Rotax will not even offer the ULS new, as a complete assembly.
Get in on cutting edge technology!

Resale value would be a consideration for me.

Been flying a 912ULS equipped RV-12 for a couple of years. If I were building one now... I dunno. The extra cost and that expensive battery with a short history don't give me warm fuzzy feelings. But the extended range... that night do it for me. I do love efficiency. Even if it might actually never pay off in terms of fuel consumption, I've needed to stop for fuel 30-45 minutes short of my destination a few times. I'd love to not have to do that any more. And yes, you'll probably get that $5K back when you sell.

I'm happy with the ULS, but if I was building again I'd choose the iS. The extra cost will translate to a higher resale value, if that's a concern. My only hesitation would be the scarcity of trained and knowledgeable Rotax mechanics over here and the number of SB's I've seen for the relatively new iS to date, although both situations will improve over time. The ULS still gets its fair share of SB's too.

Personally, my impression is that there are enough overall improvements, airframe and engine, to make it a worthwhile choice.

Dave