Engine types

[George Wallace]

For the 4 place Bearhawk I'm looking for engine advice the quote for the lycoming IO 320 or 360 I had was mentally expensive so I thought I'd ask what other people have looked at and what's the possible alternative.
I would like to keep it light. Around the 260 lb for 160 hp Indy Ideas

[Blackrock]

Have you looked into getting a 320 and turning it into a 340 via an ECI Stroker Kit? There are some other mods that can go along with that too.

[EricP]

Going to be hard to beat a Lycoming O-320 here. They are pretty common and you can get them serviced about as easy as any aircraft engine. You don't have to get the injected version, just get the carbureted version and you can still get 160 hp. I am interested to see what others suggest though!

[George Wallace]

I guess that the lycoming are a bit more available in the USA over here in Europe they're used often enough I just can't see why they are 30000 € plus for a new one after all there is not much to them.

[marcusofcotton]

Have you looked into getting a 320 and turning it into a 340 via an ECI Stroker Kit? There are some other mods that can go along with that too.

This was my plan. I have a core and a brand new Catto prop designed for the O-340 (78x54). Last I checked, they discontinued the stroker kits. Since the O-340s are still being made, I have hope yet of going that route.

[EricP]

Well, I will agree that new ones are very expensive! We bought a used one that had 700 hrs. after a factory overhaul. That saves a lot! Of course we will have to see how well it does when we are ready to run it.

[Bcone1381]

Call Bob for a price quote on an engine that he could build for you.. It may be worth your while to have him ship it to you.

[George Wallace]

I spoke with Bob and received a response after talking to him it sounded possible then received a email ,at present he is not supplying engines. ? I'm not sure if Its is just a temporary situation I would happily rebuild a engine in my workshop if I could get my hands on a old block.

[kestrel]

...then received a email ,at present he is not supplying engines.

OK... That is a little concerning. From his home page:

At this time we are taking no new orders.

Is everything OK in R&B Aircraft land?!

[Battson]

The whole email thing is still quite new to R&B Aircraft, it's possible there's been a miscommunication.
When I bought my engine it was all done by telephone and written letter (via the postal service).

[Bcone1381]

I called Bob this morning and he gave me permission to share with you all that he has knee replacement surgury scheduled in a few months, and he does not know how that is going to impact the schedule in the shop. He is commmitted to fulfilling all current engine orders before the surgury, but he isn't taking on new obligations until after he recovered. So, let's keep Bob in our Prayers.