Okay, I need an engine? (Powerplant)

apkp777 · #1 10-11-2009, 07:10 PM

Hey all,

I am just finishing my Fuselage and my Finish kit will be here in a month. I am thinking that it is time to buy an engine. I am considering several options and would appreciate any feedback you might have.

Lycoming o-320

OPTION 1: New from Vans. $22000
OPTION 2: Used mid-time from Wentworth $12000
OPTION 3: Search high and low for a descent mid-time?

msturgis · #2 10-11-2009, 07:17 PM

In my build, I am forgoing many of the "nice to haves" so that I can get that brand new 0 time engine. In my opinion, having a brand new engine that allows you to control the maintenance, and operation brings peace of mind.

apkp777 · #3 10-11-2009, 07:21 PM

I am with you msturgis. I would really prefer a "zero" time engine. The issue is the extra $15000 I have to fork out to get one. Is it really worth it?

N411DG · #4 10-11-2009, 07:35 PM

New plane, used engine? I also agree with msturgis.

SMO · #5 10-11-2009, 07:37 PM

.... or Sue a call at Aerosport Power - 250 376-2955. I bought a new IO-320 from them last month for less than $20k. Don't know if they have any of these left but worth the call.

RV8RIVETER · #6 10-11-2009, 07:42 PM

I am on a budget as well. Nothing wrong with going used as long as you have checked the engine and the history out. A good midtime engine buys you some years to save up for an overhaul or new one.

I bought my IO-360 angle valve from a Mooney that was being upgraded and overhauled it ourselves. Just finished putting it together. Great experience and 0 SMOH engine that I know as well as my airplane, and only cost me $14k with a few extras to boot.

Go with whichever route you are comfortable with.

apkp777 · #7 10-11-2009, 07:59 PM

I'll give AeroSport a call. Anyone bought an engine from Wentworth?

David Clifford · #8 10-11-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apkp777

I'll give AeroSport a call. Anyone bought an engine from Wentworth?

Yes,
I got an IO-540 V4A5 form them that came out of a 2001 Maule with 461 SNEW and 109 since factory overhaul for the crankshaft AD. It was a mild prop strike engine that dialed .010". I just finished the reassembly today for the required parts inspection and repair of the crank. I am happy with the decision to go this route and I saved a ton of money. It was a very rewarding experience doing the disassembly, shipping the parts out, and reassembling the engine with a friend of mine. We both learned a lot about Lycoming engines! I feel very confident in the engine now and know it inside out also. I got lucky with the crank being repairable. Lets face it,, some of us are on limited budgets and won't have all the bells and whistles, or are trying to save in some areas to put in others. All that being said, if I had unlimited funds, I would just call Vans for an engine/prop package, heck, maybe even just buy a RV-10 already built by someone else and be flying already.

pierre smith · #9 10-12-2009, 05:43 AM

....and there are many takeouts with around 1800 hours that will go another 600 or more. Ours came from a flipped Comanche..$8500. and we overhauled it.

$8500 for a 700 hour engine from Wentworth is flying in my buddy's -4. Smooth as silk with the two-bladed Catto and little to no oil consuption.

Regards,

Danny King · #10 10-12-2009, 08:25 AM

Mortgage your house, or sell your first born, ok don't do that.....but find a way to put a new engine in your plane. You will be better off in the long run. If you can't swing that, build a clone from NEW PARTS. Can you say: ECI ???

I had to edit this and add: Logbooks are pure fantasy. That is how you must look at them! The only way to check out a used engine is with a complete tear down. That's called and overhaul by some! I'd rather buy a used car from Dooie Cheatem and How than buy a used aircraft engine based on it's logbook history. IMHO the only bigger mistake you could make is to put an auto engine in you new RV.