Koelemon68
Member
I have a RV7 I purchased that has a O-320 (160 HP) engine with a fixed pitch propeller. Not sure of pitch or type of propeller. I am unable to put a constant speed propeller on it that I know of. It runs great and I am enjoying the 150 Knots of GS but it can very slow on take off in the summer with fuel and a second person on board. Based in DFW area. I've talked with most others who at least have a O-360 (180 HP constant speed prop) engine on their 7's. So I am considering a change in the future to:
1. O-360 (180 hp with constant speed prop)
2. IO-360 (200 hp with constant speed prop)
3. other options???
Looking for opinions and why. I believe both of the above will work with the same engine mount and I know I will have to redo the cowling for sure. This I will have to research more. I am a fan of fuel injected and I have tons of experience with the IO-360 and being a wonderful engine but is 200 HP to much? Looking for options and good combinations of prop and engine, even if it is keeping the 160 hp with a different prop.
1. O-360 (180 hp with constant speed prop)
2. IO-360 (200 hp with constant speed prop)
3. other options???
Looking for opinions and why. I believe both of the above will work with the same engine mount and I know I will have to redo the cowling for sure. This I will have to research more. I am a fan of fuel injected and I have tons of experience with the IO-360 and being a wonderful engine but is 200 HP to much? Looking for options and good combinations of prop and engine, even if it is keeping the 160 hp with a different prop.
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