I?m not exactly sure about this but I think it has been done and maybe even Van had this engine in the prototype RV-4, So yes I think it can be used and work fine, however the 0-290 is an orphan, parts are hard and expensive to get, and I don?t believe there are any new cylinder parts to be had. If it?s a new OH engine and there giving it to you then maybe, otherwise go with a 320/360. You also never hear of any one removing a more powerful engine to install a less powerful engine, there is probably a reason for this trend. Hopefully others with more experience with this engine will chime in.