![]() |
RV8 with an IO-320
I'm in the process of building an RV8, I'm planning on putting in an IO-320B1A. The reason I'm going to use a 320 is because have a one with about 400 SMOH. I'm just wondering how many people are using a 320 in an RV8, and are they satisfied with it?
|
Quote:
Also check with Jay Pratt, he has flown -8's with the 320, and 180 HP O-360 and 200 HP IO-360. He can give you an unbiased answer. The other options are to sell the 320 and use the money on a 360 or hotrod the 320 and get the HP up to 180+, which has been done before. The biggest thing will be to keep it as light as you can. |
You'll still climb at 1500+ fpm and cruise at 165+ knots. If it's what you have and you are building on a budget then go for it.
I have a 170 hp 360 with a fixed pitch prop. Sometimes I wish I had more power or could climb faster, but then I remind myself that would have added $30k to the price of the plane, so I'm happy with what I have. I noticed you have an rv 6, I'm sure it will be similar but slightly better performance in the 8 due to slightly less drag and a little less weight. |
I'd bet you will be quite happy with a O-320 if you go constant speed. I flew the test time off a 9A with an O-320 and MT prop and was quite impressed. An 8 should be better.
|
Like Bob said,
If you go constant speed, you will not miss the 20hp --- our -8A was 160 hp but only had fixed pitch --- it was still a fun machine!
Ron |
There was an 8 with an O-320 here at our airfield. We questioned it, but everyone who flew it just said ..... WOW !
Yes, MT constant speed. Yes - a tuned exhaust. Yes, a balanced motor. But it was light - and on an 8 that is important for balance and handling. Do not hesitate, but do the work to extract everything you can from the motor and propeller. |
Quote:
But if you fly mainly local flights just for fun then re read the red part of the above quote. |
Shirley Is !!!!!
|
Thanks for the feedback. I am planning on a constant speed prop, and I'm going to try to keep the weight down. I have been happy with the performance of my RV6.
|
Quote:
I know, I know....don’t tell me....you’re never going to sell it ....that’s what they all say ha ha ha. Personally I’d sell the 320 and put the money towards a 360. The small difference in price would be more than offset by the major increase in resale value of the aircraft. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:14 AM. |