CuriousGeorge
Active Member
Hi Guys -
I'm searching for the perfect flying -4 for me. After countless hours scrubbing the archives, I'm still at a bit of a loss for the best engine/prop combo. Here's what I'm concluding, please tell me if I'm wrong.
1.) O-320 FP (wood/composite) is the lightest, maybe too light if a heavy back seater is along.
2.) O-360 CS gives extra power and shifts CG fwd
3.) An O-320 CS/metal and an O-360 FP (composite or wood) seem to be about the same weight
So why are O-320's so much more common? And with the same weight up front or nearly so, why would acro characteristics be different?
What is the downside of 180 hp if the weights are close? It looks like free power to me, other than slightly more fuel burn.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Thanks -
George
Current Citabria, future RV-4
I'm searching for the perfect flying -4 for me. After countless hours scrubbing the archives, I'm still at a bit of a loss for the best engine/prop combo. Here's what I'm concluding, please tell me if I'm wrong.
1.) O-320 FP (wood/composite) is the lightest, maybe too light if a heavy back seater is along.
2.) O-360 CS gives extra power and shifts CG fwd
3.) An O-320 CS/metal and an O-360 FP (composite or wood) seem to be about the same weight
So why are O-320's so much more common? And with the same weight up front or nearly so, why would acro characteristics be different?
What is the downside of 180 hp if the weights are close? It looks like free power to me, other than slightly more fuel burn.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Thanks -
George
Current Citabria, future RV-4