aparchment
Well Known Member
Folks,
I am looking for thoughtful (open-minded, non rant) input on the all important propulsion system for my RV7A. I fully recognize there may be no good answers and I just need to bite the bullet on a factory Lycoming, but if anyone has had good experience with my alternate paths, I am all ears.
The current cost of engines has increased significantly since I started my build several lifetimes ago (i should have bought and pickled an engine 10 years ago - oh well). I don't plan to keep this plane for a long time and see myself upgrading 5 years post build to an RV10 built by someone else or a used 4 seater like a Diamond DA40 or older Cirrus. I figure I should finish my project because I still love the idea of flying my own plane, and it's worth more complete. I also want to enjoy the sports car for a bit before converting to the SUV.
I am at firewall forward stage and trying to figure out best bang for the buck, while still keeping me, my significant other and our kids safe (i.e. no auto conversions or engine manufacturers / builders without a significant track record). My choices, as I see it, are the following:
1) Lycoming through VANS
2) Experimental through Superior, Titan, other?
3) Buy a relatively modern core or prop strike from Wentworth and redo it with a known 'local' builder
4) Buy parts and work with a 'local' engine builder
#3 and 4 may get me some savings and an intimate knowledge of how my engine goes together - but is that enough to warrant the 'used engine' hassles (if any) and stigma at resale. As an aside, I did the Mattituck engine build program ages ago, and it was fascinating.
So, in short my motivations are be safe, don't overspend / save money given my ownership timeline, know my engine inside and out.
For those who have considered these choices RECENTLY, what guidance or thoughts do you have for me.
Thoughtful input only please. Thanks in advance.
Antony
I am looking for thoughtful (open-minded, non rant) input on the all important propulsion system for my RV7A. I fully recognize there may be no good answers and I just need to bite the bullet on a factory Lycoming, but if anyone has had good experience with my alternate paths, I am all ears.
The current cost of engines has increased significantly since I started my build several lifetimes ago (i should have bought and pickled an engine 10 years ago - oh well). I don't plan to keep this plane for a long time and see myself upgrading 5 years post build to an RV10 built by someone else or a used 4 seater like a Diamond DA40 or older Cirrus. I figure I should finish my project because I still love the idea of flying my own plane, and it's worth more complete. I also want to enjoy the sports car for a bit before converting to the SUV.
I am at firewall forward stage and trying to figure out best bang for the buck, while still keeping me, my significant other and our kids safe (i.e. no auto conversions or engine manufacturers / builders without a significant track record). My choices, as I see it, are the following:
1) Lycoming through VANS
2) Experimental through Superior, Titan, other?
3) Buy a relatively modern core or prop strike from Wentworth and redo it with a known 'local' builder
4) Buy parts and work with a 'local' engine builder
#3 and 4 may get me some savings and an intimate knowledge of how my engine goes together - but is that enough to warrant the 'used engine' hassles (if any) and stigma at resale. As an aside, I did the Mattituck engine build program ages ago, and it was fascinating.
So, in short my motivations are be safe, don't overspend / save money given my ownership timeline, know my engine inside and out.
For those who have considered these choices RECENTLY, what guidance or thoughts do you have for me.
Thoughtful input only please. Thanks in advance.
Antony