Heeeeellpppp. What Engine IO360-????

[DocBret77]

I have to figure out what engine I'm going to use before I buy the 7A kit. My uncle thinks I need to go buy one now but that isn't in the budget.
I know I want 180 HP stock and want CS prop. Maybe cold air ind.?
I also don't want to reinvent the wheel....
something that is TO maybe. A rebuild??

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by DocBret77

I have to figure out what engine I'm going to use before I buy the 7A kit. My uncle thinks I need to go buy one now but that isn't in the budget.
I know I want 180 HP stock and want CS prop. Maybe cold air ind.?
I also don't want to reinvent the wheel....
something that is TO maybe. A rebuild??

New from Vans/Lyco, you have a couple options in the 360.
Vertical vs Horizontal induction and constant speed vs fixed pitch prop (crankshaft and governor)
The hollow crank constant speed version has a plug similar to a automotive freeze plug pressed into the forward end. I suggest taking the hollow crank option. You can always run a fixed pitch by leaving the plug in place. Constant Speed prop just requires removing the plug and installing a governor. Typical location is the aft side of the engine. The plumbing oil lines should be preinstalled.
O-360 is the carbureted Vertical Induction engine. The cowl has a snout and air is drawn up vertically into the carb.
The IO-360 is the fuel injected horizontal induction engine. There's no snout on the cowl. Air is drawn from an air filter just inside the port side inlet and down through a "Frankensnorkel" into the forward end of the fuel servo.
The letters after the 360 mean a sorts of stuff. Theres a table in the manual to decifer them.

Edit
Just for grins, I looked at Vans Aircraft. There's more options these days. If you have deep pockets, the 390 is an option as well as dual P-mags. Pretty cool.

[jrs14855]

O and IO 360's come in both parallel valve and angle valve versions. 180 hp would be parallel valve.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by jrs14855

O and IO 360's come in both parallel valve and angle valve versions. 180 hp would be parallel valve.

And a better choice IMO!

[FL Flier]

O-360-A1A and fixed pitch prop. Lighter weight and simpler, but it leaves the option open for a constant speed.

[greghughespdx]

My opinion for the 7A: Parallel Valve IO-360. From Lycoming's lineup, that's the YIO-360-M1B. It's the lighter engine relative to the angle-valve models (and you won't have a heavy-nose airplane with the M1B that you get with the angle-valves). Plenty of power for the airframe, great engine. You can find them new or used.

If I was set on doing an angle-valve engine, I'd choose the IO-390 EXP 119 every day of the week and twice on Sundays. If you're adding that weight, might as well take some back out in the lighter EXP 119 engine, while getting the max output from the 390.

But in a clean-sheet decision, starting from scratch? Definitely the M1B for me.

And probably a Hartzell aluminum-blade blended airfoil prop on either of the above engines. Best bang for the buck and a great performer.

[Tankerpilot75]

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

And probably a Hartzell aluminum-blade blended airfoil prop on either of the above engines. Best bang for the buck and a great performer.

Greg,

Not to hi-Jack this thread but why a Hartzell two blade BA prop and not a three blade prop like the MT9. The MT is lighter, offers better climb performance, no rpm limitations and less vibration without a significant (if any) speed loss.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by Tankerpilot75

... why a Hartzell two blade BA prop and not a three blade prop like the MT9. The MT is lighter, offers better climb performance, no rpm limitations and less vibration without a significant (if any) speed loss.

Personal preference. Maybe I'm just cheap. The MT9 sells for $17,700 whereas the Hartzell BA is $10,430 and is essentially bulletproof. I've flown them both, and I just prefer the higher top speeds I've experienced with the Hartzell BA and what I've observed as slightly better overall performance (the Hartzell climbs just fine in my book), all for about $7,200 lower price with the Hartzell prop. Everyone has their preferences, and the great thing about our little experimental aircraft world is we get to make these personal choices! Nothing wrong with choosing the MT.

[scrollF4]

If you want to make this essentially a stock 7A, go with the YIO-360M1B with the 74” Hartzell blended airfoil prop. You WANT the heavier prop out front. 7As get tail-heavy with little effort (try your first trip to KOSH with the back end loaded…but you’re weighing all that gear of course).

I built KELLI GIRL with the YIO-360M1B, slick mags, and a solid Sensi prop. The two most significant upgrades? The 74” Hartzell BA prop and 2-by-PMags. It totally transformed KELLI GIRL’s climb and cruise performance. Frankly, my 7A joined the other RVs who continually beckoned, saying, “Come on up. The water’s fine!” Build it right, right up front.

Greg, does Van’s still offer builders a one-time engine-prop combo deal? I bought my Vans Sun-n-Fun combo deal back in 2012 during KELLI GIRL’s build.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by scrollF4

Greg, does Van’s still offer builders a one-time engine-prop combo deal? I bought my Vans Sun-n-Fun combo deal back in 2012 during KELLI GIRL’s build.

Yep. If you order the engine and prop together, there is a $1,000 discount on the bundle (the discount is given on the engine by Lycoming). That's available year-round.