Van's Air Force
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7A IO-360 180hp vs 200hp vs O-320
- Thread starter fangohang
- Start date
Carl Froehlich
Well Known Member
I've gone around the tree a few times on engines, including getting quotes from the various vendors.
For me the choice for best value, best cross country set up, best balance is the 180hp IO-360 with the Hartzell CS prop - via Van's show special and the $1000 off if you get the prop and engine together.
The CS versus FP debate will, I'm sure, rage on. For me my first RV-8A started life with a FP prop. The plane was fine, but not stellar. I backfitted the Hartzell BA CS prop, took off with a dream set up and my only regret was all the hours flying with the FP prop knowing now what I was missing.
Carl
For me the choice for best value, best cross country set up, best balance is the 180hp IO-360 with the Hartzell CS prop - via Van's show special and the $1000 off if you get the prop and engine together.
The CS versus FP debate will, I'm sure, rage on. For me my first RV-8A started life with a FP prop. The plane was fine, but not stellar. I backfitted the Hartzell BA CS prop, took off with a dream set up and my only regret was all the hours flying with the FP prop knowing now what I was missing.
Carl
Pat Stewart
Well Known Member
Well, your about to get lots of opinions and this one is no different, no right or wrong just opinion. First I don't really see the maintenance cost issue with the CS so I would reconsider that option, there is little difference at cruise but takeoff and climb is improved.
I have built RV's with 200 hp and 180 hp engines as well as carbureted and fuel injected. The 0360 A1A would be my first choice but the IO360 is a close second, both would be 180 hp engines. I would stay away from the 0320 option but the RV still performs well with that engine.
I have built RV's with 200 hp and 180 hp engines as well as carbureted and fuel injected. The 0360 A1A would be my first choice but the IO360 is a close second, both would be 180 hp engines. I would stay away from the 0320 option but the RV still performs well with that engine.
drone_pilot
Well Known Member
I have no opinion on this but definitely go 200HP. Kidding!
Steve,
Pat's and Carl's advice is spot on. Like you, when I built, I wanted a balance between reasonable performance, value, and follow-on marketability (for the airplane or individual components). I couldn't yet afford a CS prop, so I opted for the IO-360 with a good FP pitch. I took advantage of the 2012 Van's Sun 'n Fun engine/prop combo sale, and purchased the YIO-360-M1B with the Sensinich 72FM8S9-1(85) experimental prop. Great prop for cruise speeds, and reasonably OK for all the other stuff (takeoff, climb, aero, etc.)
About the Van's Sun 'n Fun deal: FANTASTIC! The engine ships to you bagged/pickled for long-term storage, for they recognize that you're probably not ready to install the engine so it'll need to sit a while. The prop/engine combo saves 1-2 AMUs (aviation monetary units), and that year the shipping was free. I saved another several thousand dollars by buying the non-certificated engine: It's factory new right off the Lycoming line, and even has the same warranty. It just doesn't come with a $6-7000 piece of paper saying "certified".
Now, 250 flight hours into this, I'm ready to expand the airplane's performance curve, so I'm buying the used Hartzell C2YK-1BF CS prop off Dan King's RV-8 BEAUTIFUL DOLL. This prop is the classic Van's-preferred matchup with the RV-7A / IO-360 family.
Bottom Line: Either way, you'll build a fantastic machine. I do recommend sticking with the (I)O-360 family just because to me it's what the airplane was designed for, most buyers expect, and easy and enjoyable to fly. Plenty of buyers will want a FP prop for the simplicity/cost factor, so you won't have trouble selling it IMO. Same applies for a CS prop: Much of the market will prefer it over the FP. Either way, you'll find buyers.
BTW: In about 2 weeks I'll list my FP Sensi prop here on VAF, along with the spinner and front/back plates (already fitted to each other), and the spacer and bolts. All you'll need is a 360.
Pat's and Carl's advice is spot on. Like you, when I built, I wanted a balance between reasonable performance, value, and follow-on marketability (for the airplane or individual components). I couldn't yet afford a CS prop, so I opted for the IO-360 with a good FP pitch. I took advantage of the 2012 Van's Sun 'n Fun engine/prop combo sale, and purchased the YIO-360-M1B with the Sensinich 72FM8S9-1(85) experimental prop. Great prop for cruise speeds, and reasonably OK for all the other stuff (takeoff, climb, aero, etc.)
About the Van's Sun 'n Fun deal: FANTASTIC! The engine ships to you bagged/pickled for long-term storage, for they recognize that you're probably not ready to install the engine so it'll need to sit a while. The prop/engine combo saves 1-2 AMUs (aviation monetary units), and that year the shipping was free. I saved another several thousand dollars by buying the non-certificated engine: It's factory new right off the Lycoming line, and even has the same warranty. It just doesn't come with a $6-7000 piece of paper saying "certified".
Now, 250 flight hours into this, I'm ready to expand the airplane's performance curve, so I'm buying the used Hartzell C2YK-1BF CS prop off Dan King's RV-8 BEAUTIFUL DOLL. This prop is the classic Van's-preferred matchup with the RV-7A / IO-360 family.
Bottom Line: Either way, you'll build a fantastic machine. I do recommend sticking with the (I)O-360 family just because to me it's what the airplane was designed for, most buyers expect, and easy and enjoyable to fly. Plenty of buyers will want a FP prop for the simplicity/cost factor, so you won't have trouble selling it IMO. Same applies for a CS prop: Much of the market will prefer it over the FP. Either way, you'll find buyers.
BTW: In about 2 weeks I'll list my FP Sensi prop here on VAF, along with the spinner and front/back plates (already fitted to each other), and the spacer and bolts. All you'll need is a 360.
EricFarewell
I'm New Here
Alright, I'm using the search function to look for wisdom and found this post... What about when buying used? I want a fast cruiser and some mild aerobatics, worth it to pay the extra for an 0-360? IO? Or is a 320 acceptable, particularly when paired with a CS?
EricFarewell
I'm New Here
Eric, welcome aboard the good ship VAF
Thanks Mike! I've been shopping around for about 6 months, ready to pull the trigger. Sold my Cub, sold my 172, it's time.
Considering taking a pile of cash to Sun N Fun, buying a 6 I know of for sale that needs an engine (I have a buddy who can get me a deal on a 340), or picking up this: https://barnstormers.com/classified_1445255_Van's+RV-6.html
Thoughts?
BH1166
Well Known Member
I have ridden in IO 320 CS and it is nice, also IO 360 CS and even nicer, I fly a O320 FP and wish I had a 360, carburetor or injection. You will be happier than me with 180hp. YMMV Have a good time with your decision...it is an RV regardless and you will be happy like the rest of us. Cheers
EricFarewell
I'm New Here
There's no one size fits a when it comes to this subject. If you go with the masses then there's a reason why so many have that set up (IO360/CS). Resale is always a good bonus as well, 180 HP injected CS Vans machines sell easily
My 8 has this very setup, I fly mostly one up half fuel tanks, it's like hanging on to a tigers tail when those 180 gee gee's get together, something you never get with a FP when launching, the most exhilarating part!
Enjoy the Vans smile, it's size is a factor of HP
My 8 has this very setup, I fly mostly one up half fuel tanks, it's like hanging on to a tigers tail when those 180 gee gee's get together, something you never get with a FP when launching, the most exhilarating part!
Enjoy the Vans smile, it's size is a factor of HP
