Engine Choices

[rocketman1988]

I checked aerosport...they wanted 62k+ for an engine...

[rocketman1988]

Kind of curious that you have had issues contacting BPE. I talk to them on a regular basis and never have a problem getting a hold of them...

[bruceflys]

I had an excellent 20 minute discussion with Rhonda of BPE at Oshkosh. That and the company's fine reputation made them a serious contender for my engine purchase. Ultimately I selected new from Lycoming through Vans.

Customization was not need for me, which was one of BPE's (and Thunderbolt's) advantages. Also I received a new crankcase and a new crankshaft rather than used parts from an engine with unknown history. Yes, inspections usually find any defects and Lycoming incorporates recycled parts in its remans, but new gives me a good feeling.

[flion]

I tend to do most of my communication by email for things like this (so I have things in writing). I did talk to Rhonda a couple of times by phone but mostly it was through email and I found response to be somewhat slow at times. However, it wasn't the speed but the quality of the response that prompts me to tell you that BPE was definitely a good choice. They gave me exactly what I asked for and gave great advice on the things I had questions about. I'd do BPE again in a heartbeat (but if Superior ever markets a 540...)

If you delve back in the forums a year or so ago, you'll find my posts complaining that I could not seem to contact any engine builders despite repeated requests for quotes. BPE was the only one that bothered, though a couple of others posted here with promises to contact me and never did. So it came down to really no choice, even if they had been awful. Imagine my relief to find out how awesome BPE was. And the moral for all the vendors out there is: if you want the business, communicate.

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by flion

If you delve back in the forums a year or so ago, you'll find my posts complaining that I could not seem to contact any engine builders despite repeated requests for quotes.

I had that experience too. That, or vendors following up months after an initial contact at Oshkosh or Sun N Fun. I have had similar experiences with avionics with several shops - both nationally known and local. Steinair has been great on that front, as has Stark, but others have just dropped the ball.

I've rationalized that there are a lot of tire kickers out there and maybe the vendors are on a "three ask" plan where they don't think you're serious until you contact them at least 3 times...

[TomSpencer46]

Originally Posted by rocketman1988

I checked aerosport...they wanted 62k+ for an engine...

Was that in Canadian dollars? Converts to $46,701 in US

[rocketman1988]

Nope, the quote said usd...

[rmartingt]

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

I had that experience too. That, or vendors following up months after an initial contact at Oshkosh or Sun N Fun. I have had similar experiences with avionics with several shops - both nationally known and local. Steinair has been great on that front, as has Stark, but others have just dropped the ball.

I've rationalized that there are a lot of tire kickers out there and maybe the vendors are on a "three ask" plan where they don't think you're serious until you contact them at least 3 times...

I filled out the quote request form on AeroSport's website, which had an option for "I'm gathering information/shopping long term". They still responded within two days or so.

[karrelsj]

Originally Posted by rocketman1988

Kind of curious that you have had issues contacting BPE. I talk to them on a regular basis and never have a problem getting a hold of them...

Maybe you are the reason they are too busy to reply to me

Just kidding. My experience is just that, my experience. Please go out and chat with Rhonda.

[DerekS]

Hi,

I was just asked to send my last funds for the Vans IO-540, so I'm likely the most current lead time measure, I did thunderbolt not sure if that helps or hinders.

Ordered 4/24
Ship 6/07.

11 weeks.

Derek