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  #1  
Old 07-21-2015, 08:19 PM
bt3vex bt3vex is offline
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 32
Default 320 vs. 360 engine/performance

I have a lead on getting a screaming deal on a 320 150hp lycoming. However, i live in Montana and worry about performance on a hot day in the mountains. I know if i go with a 180 to 200 hp engine i will not have any issues, but this deal on this engine is not to be overlooked and hey lets be honest we all don't have 20k on hand for a new engine.

So what I am looking for is people who have 320 150hp engine, what your performance is, cons, pros. Or should i just stay away from it all together.

Thanks

Last edited by bt3vex : 07-21-2015 at 09:11 PM.
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  #2  
Old 07-21-2015, 09:54 PM
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flightlogic flightlogic is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 1,614
Default engine choices

are you going to put it in a TriPacer?
If you run 150 horse in an RV.... they get off pretty well, even at high altitudes.
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  #3  
Old 07-21-2015, 10:34 PM
bt3vex bt3vex is offline
 
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Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 32
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I am planning on putting it in a rv7.
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  #4  
Old 07-21-2015, 11:12 PM
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hydroguy2 hydroguy2 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Townsend, Montana
Posts: 3,179
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Screaming deals should not be overlooked...might be perfect.

You'll lose some climb performance and a bit of cruise, look at Vans Performance specs.
You can gain some climb back by using a Constant speed prop. but it comes with a price and weight too.

with my 360, I only felt underpowered once. Coming back from OSH 2012 in Mobridge SD 98*F at 1pm Gross weight fully maxed out. I was still climbing over 1200fpm.....working good just seemed poor when I normally fly around with 1/2 tanks and solo.
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  #5  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:08 AM
BillL BillL is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central IL
Posts: 5,516
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I have no point of comparison, but Mike Seagers RV7 used for training is a 320. I was surprised at how fast it accelerated to rotation and only to find it was a 320 near the end of training. It did not feel underpowered at all. Of course that is as a new RV pilot experience, not quantified.

Just a novice experience.
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  #6  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:25 AM
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Neal@F14 Neal@F14 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 2,182
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My RV6 is a 160hp O-320. Takeoff from Johnson Creek with my camping gear aboard, solo and less than half fuel was about the same as my old Cherokee 140 with 3 people aboard on a hot summer Texas day. 160hp gives ample performance when solo, or even full of camping gear from Texas to Oshkosh where I'm at right now, but in the mountains or with two aboard plus some baggage the O-320 is definitely lacking in climb power IMHO.
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  #7  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:34 AM
WA85 WA85 is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Royse City, TX
Posts: 143
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I have an IO-320 160 HP with a 2 blade Catto prop in my RV-8. If you build it light and match the right prop to your operational environment, a 320 will provide good performance. I went with a 320 because I was able to get a very economical deal on it. I do not regret it. I just came back from my first trip to Osh in this acft and I am very impressed with the performance and fuel burn for an IO-320.
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  #8  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:35 AM
gfb gfb is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 685
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If you choose not to take the screaming deal, please share it with your forum buddies
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  #9  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:49 AM
Kyle Boatright Kyle Boatright is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 4,218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Neal@F14 View Post
My RV6 is a 160hp O-320. Takeoff from Johnson Creek with my camping gear aboard, solo and less than half fuel was about the same as my old Cherokee 140 with 3 people aboard on a hot summer Texas day. 160hp gives ample performance when solo, or even full of camping gear from Texas to Oshkosh where I'm at right now, but in the mountains or with two aboard plus some baggage the O-320 is definitely lacking in climb power IMHO.
I agree. However, a c/s prop can really change the equation. So, to the OP, I'd either find a C/S prop to go with the O-320 or pass on it for your intended mission.
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  #10  
Old 07-22-2015, 06:55 AM
Pat Stewart Pat Stewart is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Granbury Texas
Posts: 1,136
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Dont let temptation get you, it's like putting a stock 350 Chevy engine in a corvette.

My 2 cents
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