Sourcing Engine Parts

[Chris In Milwaukee]

You know that look you get from your wife when you tell her how much an airplane engine costs? I got that look yesterday. It's not a good look.

The thing the CFO likes most about my scratch build project is the rate at which funds are being expended. I was thinking that perhaps an engine build might be best accomplished over the long haul as well.

How many of you have, or are considering, building up your own engine? If so, where are you sourcing your parts? I presume eBay, swap meets, other folks' hangars, etc.

I'm interested to hear your stories!

~Chris

[whee]

I'm building up my own engine. So far I have bought two engines, one from Barnstormers and the other from a guy on BCP. Still need to buy a crankshaft ($4500) and get all the steel parts checked ($1000). Case is out for overhaul ($825) and I'm hoping to work over the 12 cylinders we have with a local shop and come up with 6 good ones.

If things go somewhat smoothly I'll be into the engine for less than $15k. The engine will have a solid bottom end and a top end that likely won't make TBO but I'm ok with that. I'm not interested in trying to break in new cylinders ($1600ea) while breaking in a new airplane. Been there, done that and don't want to do it again.

[nichzimmerman]

Where does one normally buy a used crank for $4500? Do overhaul shops normally carry them?

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[whee]

Colorado Air Parts is where I've had the best luck. Performance Aircraft Powerplants has been great too, better price on new parts. I have no idea what a O540 crank costs, I'm buying parts for a Continental IO360.

[jaredyates]

Engines are expensive, but so are engine parts, engine work, engine building research/tuition, and engine part shopping. It's too bad that Bob is on vacation for a little while. At his prices it was an easy choice to just hire him to do all of that.