Aerosport vs New Lycoming from Van's

13brv3 · #1 11-18-2005, 06:51 AM

Greetings,

As I start to make decisions about engines, and props, I'm considering whether I want to get a New O-360-A1A from Van's, or have Aerosport build one for me.

It would "seem" fairly easy to choose, since the Aerosport engine is a bit cheaper (Lycoming parts, roller cam), and has a few extra steps taken in assembly (balancing, etc). The warranty is better as well, and it can be customized with different ignition, etc. Going with the cheaper ECI parts version, and non-roller cam would save quite a bit, but it probably wouldn't be my preference.

On the other hand, I had a new Lycoming in my previous RV-8, and it was just as perfect as it was expected to be. Since it's a certified engine, it would seem that it's potentially worth more money as well, though only under certain circumstances. I'll also admit to an intangible value in being able to say it was a factory new engine.

Lycoming, or Aerosport. Which would you choose?

JCN247DE · #2 11-18-2005, 07:09 AM

Hi Rusty,

I can only speak from my experience here. I have a new Aerosport O-360A1A built up with Superior components and cylinders. I have the 9:2-1 pistons, LSE on one side, slick mag on the other.

The service, price and continued follow up from Bart and Sue at Aerosport has been excellent. The engine is a thing of beauty (paint, cleanliness, no cast flashing all through the cylinder fins like my hangar mate's lyc.). All the fittings and appropriate hoses, primer lines, harnesses, spark plugs, carb, gaskets were either installed or shipped with the engine.

The included engine log is very neat and shows all data pertaining to the 1 hr. run at Aerosport with compressions. Being a new airplane builder... I have called the Aerosport facility numerous times with general (sometimes stupid) questions about aircraft engines (adjustments, leaning, etc.) Everytime I called they answered my questions and really took the time to make sure that I had what I needed. I'm really impressed with the company.

Read Randy's engine section here for another perspective

http://www.romeolima.com/RV8/Engine.htm

When I build my -10 for the family starting next year. An Aerosport engine will be on the nose!

Hope it helps.

Jeff

N520TX · #3 11-18-2005, 07:37 AM

... an Aerosport engine from Bart as well. The warranty period is a big difference. Note that this is an experimental engine though, so it will be a 40hr flyoff instead of the 25hr for a certificated engine. 180hrs later, it makes no difference though ....

thallock · #4 11-18-2005, 11:29 AM

Rusty,

I can't beleive that you are really going through with this Lycoming thing. The other "guys" will be so disappointed. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

cheers,
Tracy.

sprucemoose · #5 11-18-2005, 12:32 PM

I went through the same dilema a few years ago. I went with a new Aerosport using all Superior parts (before ECI stuff was an option.) I don't regret it for a second. Aerosport is the best company I've ever dealt with, in terms of support and follow up care. For example, six months after I bought my engine (set up for a c/s prop) harsh financial realities set in and forced me to go with a fixed pitch. I called Aerosport and talked to Bart about what parts I would need to convert it (front crank seal, governor pad cover.) He offered to send me all the parts (maybe $50 worth) and instructions for no charge, and a few days later I had them.

I don't know about Lycoming, but I was impressed with the extras which came with the engine. Fittings, primer lines and fittings, gaskets, lots of little goodies wihch can add up wuickly.

gmcjetpilot · #6 11-18-2005, 02:02 PM

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I mean what is the price difference? Several thousand. I heard some insurance companies where clamping down (eg no coverage) on experimental aircraft engines, but I think that is a non issue (comments). I have a genuine Lycoming but I bought a O-360A1A 600 hour for $2000 so it was a no brain'er. Buying today, new, I'd go Mattituck, Aerosport or one of the other good ECI/Superior engine shops. You get a warranty and save $$$$$$ what else could you want.. We are experimental and should enjoy every advantage we can. George

Scott Will · #7 11-18-2005, 02:27 PM

Just ordered me an Aerosport IO-360-B2B a few weeks ago based on all the rave reviews of their service & support. Can't wait to get it.

now I need to figure out how I want it painted...

fodrv7 · #8 11-18-2005, 02:33 PM

Now! Do you need anymore help deciding.

Ring Bart.

Pete

13brv3 · #9 11-18-2005, 03:13 PM

So what it is you're all trying to say

OK, so it's an Aerosport, now how about some option opinions.

Just today, the Lycoming version of the O-360-A1A with the roller cam dropped $1800 in price due to a Lycoming promotion. This makes the Lycoming roller cam very close to the price of the Superior non-roller cam engine. I like the idea of the roller cam, and certainly don't mind having Lycoming brand parts, and the engine will be about $3k cheaper than the new engine from Van's, so it's what I'm leaning toward at the moment.

Superior claims to be...well "superior" to Lycoming parts. Are they? By enough that anyone would really notice? How about ECI. I get the impression they are just direct copies of Lycoming parts, at a lower price. With the ECI, I could save $5k over the price of the new Lycoming from Van's, which would almost pay for the new Hartzell.

What about 9.2 cr pistons? I'm leaning toward having those installed, but worry just a bit about the extra stress on the prop. Hartzell seems funny about all these rpm limitations.

Finally, I'm leaning real hard toward the E-mag/P-mag for ignition. Any reason I shouldn't use that?

Thanks for all the comments!

penguin · #10 11-18-2005, 07:38 PM

Can't imagine why you would think a factory Lycoming would add to the value of your airplane? I would have thought only a really uninformed purchaser would take that view. My thought is that any new engine from one of the well respected builders (Aerosport, Lycon, Barrett, Americas Engines, Mattituck, Penn-Yan, Performance Engines, etc) will command the same sort of money whether it is built from Lyc, Superior or ECi parts.

The benefit of using a builder is that you can specify what you want, instead of taking what Lyc are offering from their certified engine list. The versions available from Van's are just the most suitable of the engines that Lyc produces. That doesn't mean that a builder could not produce an engine that is more suitable for your needs. Shop around, find out what others would charge for what Lyc are offering (probably significantly less). One thing that most builders do that Lyc (reportedly) does not is carefully balance their engines - the stock specs for balance are rather lax, any decent builder will statically & dynamically balance an engine to much tighter tolerances. That means you get a much smoother ride.

I would only choose Lyc if they were several thousand $ cheaper than the other builders - a very unlikely situation. I recently got my engine overhaulled by Aerosport and have been very happy with their price, quality and service.

Yours, Pete

PS I've been using an E-mag for 15 months and am about to swap my remaining mag for a P-mag.