New Engine

[bt3vex]

After finding some metal in my engine oil, I have decided to get a new engine. (Notes: - I rebuilt my 1st engine myself, Its been good, but now its making metal, and to be honest a little underpowered for the -7 (0320) it is what i could afford at the time) but now I have options and wanted to go with something new and more powerful.

Now I am faced with options: (My field is located at almost 7000msl with DA getting to 12,000 often in the summer, but have an 8000' runway. With that said, I am really just a fly around the area nothing crazy guy. Mostly do the same routes every time and stay in the valleys)

Builder Choice:
1. Barrett Precision Engine
2. Aerosport Power

Engine Choice:
1. 0360 - Regular Piston or 9:1
2. 0375
3. I have a friend that has a 360 and constant speed for sale, that had a prop strike, but has been rebuilt for a good deal, I just worry about this option for obvious reasons.

Propeller Choice:
1. Keep my ground adjustable 2 blade Sensenich - Just need a new hub and spacer (Less money, less options)
2. New 3 blade ground adjustable 3 blade Sensenich (Medium Money, less options)
2. Or go with a new constant speed (This would require some substantial upgrades to cowl, and panel. Not to mention a substantial cost)

Opinions or thoughts?

 

[Mike S]

With your field elevation I would be looking at the 360, either carb or FI

I would keep compression stock just in case you want to run mogas. And who knows what the mythical someday unleaded options will tolerate in C/R.

I would go for a C/S prop.

The above is what I would do, and just a free opinion------plus it is not my $$$

Both Barrett and Aerosport are great options. They can help in your decision.

Both are familiar with the SDS EFII systems----great option IMHO, but then I am kinda prejudiced as I am flying a full SDS system on an Aerosport engine.

Good luck.

 

[SeanB]

My field elevation is 6874' at Meadow Lake (KFLY) near Colorado Springs. I have an IO-375 from Aerosport (stroked -360). It makes 195 hp at 7.8/1 compression. It's been a great engine so far. Dual P-Mags. Hartzel CS BA aluminum prop. Plenty of power for my -7. Darren was awesome support at Aerosport, but I hear he's moved on. Not sure of those details. I believe you can also build your engine with them in Kamloops. Nice way to learn for later maintenance.

 

[Freemasm]

.....
3. I have a friend that has a 360 and constant speed for sale, that had a prop strike, but has been rebuilt for a good deal, I just worry about this option for obvious reasons......

Why? If you're not comfortable yourself, have an experienced a&P go through the log, specifically the yellow tags. If all is in order, strongly consider the deal.

BTW, you won't know the component history of the PPs from your preferred builders either; nothing beyond the component yellow tags. Would bet you any amount of money that some of their cores experienced as bad or worse in their previous lives.

 

[walkman]

Why? If you're not comfortable yourself, have an experienced a&P go through the log, specifically the yellow tags. If all is in order, strongly consider the deal.

BTW, you won't know the component history of the PPs from your preferred builders either; nothing beyond the component yellow tags. Would bet you any amount of money that some of their cores experienced as bad or worse in their previous lives.

agreed. an engine overhauled by a reputable shop is no riskier than an engine assembled from new by a reputable shop.

worse in my case as I purchased a new superior engine and learned they produce terrible products and make up for it by not standing behind the customer

 

[Mikeyb]

An IO360 with 9:1 CR will give you 3 percent more takeoff power than at 8.5:1.
A constant speed prop at 2700 rpm static will give you 16% more power than 2300 rpm with a fixed pitch.

 

[Rick_A]

Have you considered the Titan (aka Continental) IO 340 or IO 370 ? The 340 is the same size as your existing 320 and the 370 is based on a parallel valve 360.

Constant speed prop is definitely the way to go. I have no idea on lead times these days or effects of recent change in corporate ownership .

I run an IO 370 with an MT 3 blade CS on my 7A. I upgraded from an O 360 with a 2 blade Hartzell. Both upgrades were nice improvements..

 

[Kyle Boatright]

I would be tempted to buy new from Vans.