Steve;
I opted for the IO-550N Platinum version figuring the additional warranty
alone was worth the extra money.  I also wanted an engine that runs as
smooth as possible.  I also plan to have the prop dynamically balanced.
As far as the baffle goes, $6400 is pretty high in my book.  I opted to
install it myself.  Keep in mind however, that the baffle kit supplied by
Lancair is (or was) out of date.  I had to make modifications to make it fit
the current heat duct configuration.  Talk to Carsten about this.  For the
most part it fit pretty well.
Leon Smith
Super ES (90%?)