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05-20-2020, 01:44 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Ionia Michigan
Posts: 160
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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?
__________________
RV6 N7219d
IO-320-B1A
Sam James cowl
first flight May 2, 1997
RV8 #83830 tail done, wing done
Fuselage started
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05-20-2020, 02:12 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D Weisgerber
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?
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Look up "Lowpass" here on the forum. He had an O-320 in his -8 and then swapped it out for a 360.
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.
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
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05-20-2020, 02:42 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Socal
Posts: 453
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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.
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RV-8 N695RA flying
Working on an RV-4
Born to fly, forced to work
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05-20-2020, 02:48 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: 8I3
Posts: 3,564
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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.
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Please don't PM me! Email only!
Bob Japundza CFI A&PIA
N9187P PA-24-260B Comanche, flying
N678X F1 Rocket, under const.
N244BJ RV-6 "victim of SNF tornado" 1200+ hrs, rebuilding
N8155F C150 flying
N7925P PA-24-250 Comanche, restoring
Not a thing I own is stock.
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05-20-2020, 03:10 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Largo, FL
Posts: 1,029
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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
__________________
RV-10 Co-built, maintained, flown (sold)
RV-8A Maintained and flown (Sold)
RV-6A Bought and Flying (N177RV), upgrades $$$
IO360, 180HP/CS, AFS 5600T, D10A, G650, G430, G327, ADS-B, VIZ385 AP
Very Happy Contributor
Comm, SMEL, CFII, A&P
Based at KCLW (Clearwater, FL)
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05-20-2020, 03:26 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 2,052
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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.
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"I add a little excitement, a little spice to your lives, and all you do is complain!" - Q
Donated in 2020
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05-20-2020, 04:23 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sonoma County
Posts: 3,821
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike newall
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.
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This is so true with any RV. Many people that have an O360 and Metal constant speed prop, know what it is like to go fast from point A to point B. But will never know how amazing an RV will handle.... balanced and light.
But if you fly mainly local flights just for fun then re read the red part of the above quote.
__________________
VAF #897 Warren Moretti
2019 =VAF= Dues PAID
Last edited by gasman : 05-20-2020 at 08:48 PM.
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05-20-2020, 04:34 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 2,052
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Shirley Is !!!!!
__________________
"I add a little excitement, a little spice to your lives, and all you do is complain!" - Q
Donated in 2020
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05-20-2020, 06:39 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Ionia Michigan
Posts: 160
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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.
__________________
RV6 N7219d
IO-320-B1A
Sam James cowl
first flight May 2, 1997
RV8 #83830 tail done, wing done
Fuselage started
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05-20-2020, 09:17 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D Weisgerber
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?
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I’d take into consideration resale value down the track. Not many buyers will be happy with the 320 because the 360 is the defacto standard for the RV8 so that might cost you a lot of dollars eventually.
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.
__________________
You’re only as good as your last landing 
Bob Barrow
RV7A
Last edited by Captain Avgas : 05-21-2020 at 12:19 AM.
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