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engine choice
I just went throught this decision process and ended up choosing a Superior based roller tappet I0-360, with ECI Titan cylinders, from Aero Sport Power.
Roller tappets and ECI cylinders were chosen on the basis that as a "week-end" flyer, engine corrosion resistance was important. The most important factor for me was the reputation of the engine builder - each of Lycoming and clone manufacturers claim to have better engine technology, but not being knowledgeable enough to really judge the various claims, I assumed that all were good, and differences minor. So, for me, it came down to choosing a builder with a good reputation, explaining my flying "mission" and priorities, and relying on the builder for advice. I could not be happier with the service I received from Aero Sport, and the engine, in a colour scheme I chose, is a work of art. Any inquiries that I have had have been answered promptly. I have no reason to think that other well known builders would be any different. You may wish to consider when choosing a builder whether they are "tied" to one engine manufacturer. If you buy from Van's, I assume that you deal with Lycoming for service and any engine questions. Whether Lycoming would provide the same level and extent of service as an independent builder is perhaps a factor to consider. Bill Brooks Ottawa, Canada RV-6A still in progress. |
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Click the link, you won't be disappointed: http://www.bpaengines.com I got the Barrett T-shirt.........and I wear it;) |
Options
Unless something has recently changed, (sine the beginning of this year) If you want vertical inducion AND fuel injection, you will need to go clone.
The parallel valve engine offering from Lycoming is only carb. I like the parallel valve 360 CI engine because it is lighter and much cheaper that the angle valve version. I wanted one lightspeed and FI. Van's did not offer that without buying a complete engine and modifying it after the fact. The clone suppliers will build the engine per your specs and run it in that way with a warranty maintained. Superior gave me great service on my roller tappet engine with 3 year warranty at a price similar to a plane jane O360A1A. I'm really happy with it. Mattituck should also be considered as they make great engines and provide great service. When I shopped, Superior gave me the best deal. |
Uhhhh no....
Lycoming has made vertical induction fuel injected engines for years and years. |
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Walter |
Lyc vertical inducuction FI
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Ask about the warranty
In my opinion the warranty is a deal breaker. Look at the warranty each provides. Some only warranty a year from the date you purchase. There are a couple that warranty 3 years from the date you start it or fly it. Quite a difference! What does that tell you about belief in the product?
Another thing, IMHO I think there is something to be said for buying American. Don't get me wrong, I have never heard a bad word about Aero Sport, but I am hard pressed to see the benefit over ECI. ymmv Stewart |
Lyc---Clones
This debate could go on forever, so just to add my .02 cents to the mix; I dropped off an engine at Barrett's a few years ago to be rebuilt for a friend. I was given the "tour" by Monte (the Founder of BPE.). I was totally impressed. They had numerous autographed photos of just about every aerobatic/show performer in the Air Show Buisiness. You won't believe who they build engines for. They make no excuses. A nickle or two more for what they provide is worth it in my oppinion.
No connection other than a personal tour by "the Old Man". |
Experimental Lycoming
When I was at Oshkosh, I spent some time talking with Bart LaLonde at AeroSport Power.
I've been looking at the engines AeroSport Power has available. There is an interesting choice of experimental 360 engines. The 180 hp parallel valve engines are available as follows: O-360-A vertical induction. IO-360-B vertical induction IO-360-M horizontal induction. The prices for the 180 hp 360 engines are comparable to the prices for the same engine from Van's Aircraft. There are also 200 hp parallel valve AeroSport power 375 engines available as follows: O-375 vertical induction. IO-375-B vertical induction. IO-375-M horizontal induction. I understand that the 200 hp AeroSport Power 375 engine weighs the same as the Lycoming 360 parallel valve engine, and has the same basic fuel flow of the 180 hp engine. The prices for the 375 engine is only slightly more than the price of the 360 engine, and considerably less than the price from Van's Aircraft for their 200 hp angle valve engine. Regards, Jim Ayers |
We bought two TMX-360 s about three years ago for our Supercubs. Made several calls about oil seeping out of several places on both engines and was never taken seriously. At Sun&Fun this year I spoke to a salesman (off to one side as not to **** him off) and again I was brushed off. He said it was no big deal. Things changed when I closed with " it was enough of a big deal to us that we would be looking elsewhere for our IO-540,for the RV-10 we are building".
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