RV8 with an IO-320

[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?

[N941WR]

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?

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.

[Robin8er]

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.

[rocketbob]

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.

[RONSIM]

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

[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.

[gasman]

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.

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.

[mike newall]

Shirley Is !!!!!

[D Weisgerber]

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.

[Captain Avgas]

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?

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.