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Engine and Propeller
The Plan
I studied for months over what to do about a powerplant. After talking to every engine shop that I could find, considering the options, costs and benefits of new vs. rebuild vs. re-man vs. clone, I have decided that Bob Honig of Eagle Engines in Redding, CA, will get my business.
The Plan starts with the Superior XP-360 case that has been designed to address many of Lycoming's issues. Among other things, the case has been strengthened in places where the legacy Lycosaur design is prone to cracking, the cylinder decks have been strengthened, oil galleries and piston-skirt spray nozzles have been added. Eagle Engines will flow-match the cylinders, weight-match the parts and dynamically balance the crank (and the completed engine). Roller lifters help bring the aircraft engine into the 1970's!
Before it leaves the shop, the engine will be put thru a comprehensive test regimen using the very same prop the I intend to fly, rather than a test club. The test-run also ensures that the engine is loaded correctly during the most critical portion of the break-in period, reducing the chance that I will glaze the jugs with low-power taxi tests and general checkout before flight.
It will get the Ryton composite sump with horizontal induction and AirFlow Performance fuel injection. Since I won't have a vacuum system, I'll be able to mount a B&C SD-8 stand-by alternator on the vacuum pad. I'll leave the Slick magnetos off and mount P-Mags - self-contained electronic ignitions from E-Mag Air.
American Propeller will source my prop. I have decided to use MT's new aluminum 2-blade blended-foil propeller. It's designed to eliminate the RPM restrictions that are so common to aluminum propellers used with non-counterweighted 4-cylinder (I)O-360 engines. MT promises that it is faster, quieter and lighter than the competition, and it comes with a spinner and backplate already fitted.
I will also ask the graphic experts at Designer Prop to review and comment on my paint scheme, then paint the prop to match before it leaves the American Propeller Service shop. The ramp at Sun'n'Fun 2005 was littered with examples of their beautiful work.