I did not count the hours spent on making the engine decision but the effort was significant. I considered the usual suspects including Lycoming, Superior, and ECI-Titan both experimental and certified. I finally decided upon an experimental engine built from Lycoming parts at a local engine/cylinder shop. Some parts will be new while others will be used but within service limits.
Essentially, the engine will be equivalent in configuration to a Lycoming XIO-360-M1B with some minor mods including 9:1 pistons, a little different grind on the camshaft, Bendix fuel injection requiring no return fuel line plumbing, rear mounted prop governor for a constant speed propeller, electronic ignition with auto plugs and harness, and a lightweight starter. I am hoping for a little horsepower improvement over the 180 offered by the stock M1B.
When the engine is completed and delivered I will include some pictures.
