Posted for "Valin & Allyson Thorn" <thorn@starflight1.com>:

<<< Valin, are you wanting to install a diesel in your Legacy?  When can
we realistically expect to see a 300HP for a Legacy?  I am very
interested this new technology.  Jim Vosters  >>>
  
Yes, we're interested in a diesel engine for our Legacy.  We'll try to
learn more about them at AirVenture/Oshkosh this year.  I've heard
Cirrus is putting an SMA 300HP engine in their SR (SR20 tdi).  As far as
schedule for 300HP aerodiesels, I keep hearing late 2002, 2003.  Here's
an excerpt from a letter I received from SMA.
  
"SMA is also planning a 260 hp and 300hp engine, this will not be
available before the end of 2002 at the earliest."  Miriam Dunn -  SMA
Marketing & Communication Director"
  
Apparently SMA and Lancair have had some negotiations on the subject and
the main problem was SMA wanted a commitment for a large number of
engines and the price wasn't competitive.  If we can get enough Lancair
builders interested it may help get one of the better aerodiesel designs
established as an official Lancair factory engine option. with the
obvious benefits.    No one wants to go through the growing pains of implementing a new
engine.  Of course, no one wants to buy a new old engine that may become
obsolete or require significant modification (and/or de-rating of power)
to continue to use in a few years.  For us our decision will depend on
how much progress has been made when we're ready to order our engine.    In the mean time, we're planning on flying behind an IOF-550N.
  
Valin Thorn
Legacy 2K
Houston