Marty57
PATRON
Nipomo, Ca
I'm looking for some honest advise here regarding an engine for my 2+2/Pa14 exp. A friend of mine is upgrading his pacer to an 0320 so he can have a constant speed prop. He has been helping me with my project since I started (A&P and very highly regarded professional pilot). He has offered me his O290D2, fire wall forward including the prop, exhaust, accessories, carb, etc. The engine runs great; no oil or compression problems. Engine has about 1500 hours on it so about 500 or so before any overhaul issues if everything continues OK. I know there are questions about parts and more power is always nice. I am building as light as I can and am scratch building to keep cost down so I will someday actually have a plane to fly. My flying will be just my wife and I for the most part; maybe a grand kid for a ride sometimes. This will truly be a remove from his plane, pickle it with oil for a couple of years and then bolt it on and fly. A lighter starter, alternator and a wood prop would be added to reduce weight and give the plane a bit more of an edge with the lower power. I was leaning toward an O320 so not a big difference in weight or power. I will be flying out of high desert in California, about 2500'msl. The cost is one of the real selling points as he is giving it to me as a friend. Total cost is $3000 ready to go. So, ....... any thoughts taking a look at the big picture here? Thanks for any and all input.
Marty57
Marty57