IO 360 B1B
Back in 2017 I bought a partially built RV-7A kit that had the finish kit for a vertical induction IO360 B1B engine. I gave a lot of consideration to changing the cowling to suit a horizontal induction engine but in the end went ahead with the original plan for vertical induction. I went with a new Aerosport Power IO360B1B, dual P mags, CS Hartzell , MT prop governor and lightweight starter. I significantly modified the airbox and the snorkel for the air inlet to make it easier to install the lower cowling single handed, solve all the air-box cracking and loose bolt problems and minimize the air leaks from the ram air inlet into the lower cowling (to improve cooling airflow).
The significant other areas to consider are the control cable lengths, position for firewall penetrations that are more optimum for that engine. Routing of fuel, oil lines and heater air hoses. Otherwise the engine installation was pretty straightforward.
KT