engine choices

[Utah-Jay]

A 915 would be a good performer due to the power and weight ratio. The cost to open the box is the higgest hurtle. You can burn a lot of fuel before reaching the same investment.

Sure it is more expensive upfront, but the performance far outweighs the traditional options.

[zkelley2]

The 915 is only 145hp. Most people opt for a I/O-360 at 180-200hp on the patrol, and I would assume on the companion as well.

If you're operating almost exclusively above 6500ft, then the 915 would make sense since you'd have equal HP about there and more than the lycomings higher.

[Bcone1381]

Lets see real data. Both for the CG change and cost analysis of fuel/engine purchase over a 2000 hour period of operation.

[500AGL]

I understand the altitude issue, and there is value in the Rotax. But even with the Rans S21, where the company owner and designer is an outright Rotax fan, 95% or more of the S21 kits are being sold with Titan 340 engines or mounts for such.
The Aircam is a phenomenal aircraft for its mission, and is designed around the 912/914 engines. But holy man have you priced one?

I’m a believer in both modern technology (EFI, EMags, EIS) and also a believer in cubic inches. But at the end of the day you balance your mission to the value of the chosen engine against your wallet.
I drive diesel pickups, but not for better fuel mileage as that would not offset the purchase cost delta. I drive them for the power, reliability, and drive ability they offer. Those items justify the cost increase.

In a heavy hauling places to go people to see bushplane, the Rotax isn’t my choice, or my wallets. 🤪

[Utah-Jay]

I understand the altitude issue, and there is value in the Rotax. But even with the Rans S21, where the company owner and designer is an outright Rotax fan, 95% or more of the S21 kits are being sold with Titan 340 engines or mounts for such.
The Aircam is a phenomenal aircraft for its mission, and is designed around the 912/914 engines. But holy man have you priced one?

I’m a believer in both modern technology (EFI, EMags, EIS) and also a believer in cubic inches. But at the end of the day you balance your mission to the value of the chosen engine against your wallet.
I drive diesel pickups, but not for better fuel mileage as that would not offset the purchase cost delta. I drive them for the power, reliability, and drive ability they offer. Those items justify the cost increase.

In a heavy hauling places to go people to see bushplane, the Rotax isn’t my choice, or my wallets. 🤪

Rans dumped the Rotax 915 due to cooling issues on the then max manifold temperature of 120*. Rotax raised it to 176* a few months ago, so the challenges Randy was having are not an issue any longer. For flatlanders/low elevation guys the Titan is fine, where I live not so much.