Jeff R
Well Known Member
I am looking for an engine for my RV-9A. I was leaning towards a new IO-360 (let?s refrain from debating the wisdom of that selection here, with me saying that I was also thinking of low compression cylinders which would bring the HP down to just 170, only a tad more than the recommended maximum of 160). I already have the boost pump, and the finishing kit from Van?s for this engine combination is due to be packed next week for shipment.
Well, I talked to a reputable engine guy at Sun n Fun, and I also found a reputable individual, who are both offering -320?s. The engine shop can build up a zero timed IO-320 from a used core, (or build up a totally new IO-360) and the individual has a 40 year old O-320, over 3,000 hours total, a bit over 700 hours since OH, and a recent annual. The engine is airworthy, currently certified with all ADs complied with, and is available for about $9,500 (it came off a plane that suffered some fuse damage, but had no prop strike damage to the engine). If I got that engine, I would prefer to have it sent to an engine shop to be upgraded to FI, and to have one magneto replaced with an Emag before I install it. I don?t know what that upgrade would cost though I presume that some part of the cost could be offset by being able to sell the carb.
Given that a new engine will run around $22K, and if I assume the upgrades to the used engine will bring the cost around $12K (to keep the numbers round), the delta would be on the order of $10K, maybe a bit less. I really don?t know yet what the price of a rebuilt IO-320 will be, but certainly closer $20K than $12K.
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I am struggling with which way to go. I know of some of the horror stories with used engines, but I am pretty confident that this used engine is a good one, and I like the idea of installing a nice, used engine that has a proven record and is well broken in. I am also confident in a rebuilt IO-320. I know I will have to pay for an OH with the used engine sooner than with a new or zero timed engine, but since I am also having to shell out some big buck now for the finishing kit and instruments, I don?t mind deferring some costs into the future.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
Well, I talked to a reputable engine guy at Sun n Fun, and I also found a reputable individual, who are both offering -320?s. The engine shop can build up a zero timed IO-320 from a used core, (or build up a totally new IO-360) and the individual has a 40 year old O-320, over 3,000 hours total, a bit over 700 hours since OH, and a recent annual. The engine is airworthy, currently certified with all ADs complied with, and is available for about $9,500 (it came off a plane that suffered some fuse damage, but had no prop strike damage to the engine). If I got that engine, I would prefer to have it sent to an engine shop to be upgraded to FI, and to have one magneto replaced with an Emag before I install it. I don?t know what that upgrade would cost though I presume that some part of the cost could be offset by being able to sell the carb.
Given that a new engine will run around $22K, and if I assume the upgrades to the used engine will bring the cost around $12K (to keep the numbers round), the delta would be on the order of $10K, maybe a bit less. I really don?t know yet what the price of a rebuilt IO-320 will be, but certainly closer $20K than $12K.
.
I am struggling with which way to go. I know of some of the horror stories with used engines, but I am pretty confident that this used engine is a good one, and I like the idea of installing a nice, used engine that has a proven record and is well broken in. I am also confident in a rebuilt IO-320. I know I will have to pay for an OH with the used engine sooner than with a new or zero timed engine, but since I am also having to shell out some big buck now for the finishing kit and instruments, I don?t mind deferring some costs into the future.
Any thoughts on what I should do?
