CC340 in RV-4

[Lucky Clover]

Getting ready to purchase an RV-4 kit, and was thinking of using the CC340. It's a light weight stroked 320 with 180hp from cub crafters. Has anyone heard anything good or bad on this engine?

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by Lucky Clover

Getting ready to purchase an RV-4 kit, and was thinking of using the CC340. It's a light weight stroked 320 with 180hp from cub crafters. Has anyone heard anything good or bad on this engine?

Well, not exactly on the Cub Crafters 340. However, I am flying with the IO-340 in my 9A. Cub Crafter's engine is actually the ECI O-340. Other than the fact mine is fuel injected, I have the same engine. Just do a search for any of my posts concerning engine performance and you can get an idea of what I think of the engine. In a nut shell, anyone considering a 320 (or the 360) for their project should seriously consider the 340. Basically increases the HP by 20-25 while only increasing weight by 7-8 lbs over a 320. Comparing the 360 to the 340, I gained 5 HP over the 360 while the weight was less by about 20 lbs. A no brainer decision for me.

If you truly are interested in this engine you should contact America's Aircraft Engines or ECi. I am not sure what Cub Crafter's sells the engine for but you most certainly will not go wrong with America's Aircraft Engines when using them.

Of course there are substantial differences between the RV-4 and the RV-9A so my comments are not meant to be taken to say this engine would be appropriate for your airframe. I am sure RV-4 enthusiasts can pipe in concerning that discussion but I do believe if the airframe can handle 180 HP you cannot go wrong with the (I)O-340 engine.

Feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss in more detail.

Good Luck with whatever you do. Live Long and Prosper!

[N941WR]

The O-340 was first developed by Lycoming as a stroked O-320 prior to the O-360.

Take a look at this chart from ECI. It lists the differences between their kit engines.

BTW, if you have an O-320, you can buy an upgrade kit to turn it into a 340. Just be careful, not all -320's can be upgraded. Check with America's Aircraft Engine for details, they are great to work with and I highly recommend them.

I agree with most everything Steve said. However, after looking at the numbers, I elected to go with the O-360 with tapered cylinders partly because it cost less and partly because it was a "standard" engine and the tapered cylinders cut six pounds off the engine. That is not to say there is anything wrong with this engine. By all accounts, the (I)O-340 is as good as any other Lyclone engine.

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by N941WR

. . .I elected to go with the O-360 with tapered cylinders partly because it cost less and partly because it was a "standard" engine and the tapered cylinders cut six pounds off the engine. . .

Just for clarifications sake, the 340 does have tapered cylinders too. This is where some of the weight savings on the 340 is coming from as well.

[Mike S]

Patrick, welcome to VAF

[Lucky Clover]

Thank you will check them out. Cub is asking 27000 for the 340

[aerhed]

Does the 340 use 360 jugs, or does it use shorter pistons, or what?

[aerhed]

Or rods? Just curious.

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by aerhed

Does the 340 use 360 jugs, or does it use shorter pistons, or what?

Or rods? Just curious.

Check out ECi's 320 to 340 conversion kit.

Originally Posted by ECi

Kit Includes:___Qty___Description
AEL34103-2____1____Crankshaft Assy, 4.125 Stroke, 340 Series
AEL75412______4____Piston, 5-1/8 Dia, 8.34:1 Compression Ratio
AEL78031-S____4____Connecting Rod Assy, 340 Stroker Series

The tapered cylinders are just a bonus of buying a new kit from ECi. If I were overhauling an O-320 that needed a new crank, this would be a great change to make.

They do sell cranks for both FP and CS props.

[Lucky Clover]

It's a stroked 320 the only difference is the crankshaft.