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I will take the liberty to send this statement from Lance N. that was published several years ago and I believe it still stands;
Lycoming Engines in the Lancair IV
While there may be some people interested in the Lycoming 540, one should really consider the issues and when one does, the outcome will heavily favor the Continental.
1. Acquisition Cost: The perceived notion that one can get a Lycoming at less cost seems to exist and is essentially erroneous. The used market is not nearly as good as it once was for 540's due to the past five to ten years of demand for them in the homebuilt / kit plane market. And if cost is the red issue, then you will never match the cost of a 520 Continental anyway. On the factory new engine level, the Lycoming will clearly cost more not less.
2. Operating Cost: This is a big one. The cost to operate the Continental engine is less. The new Continental 550 series engines that we selected for the Lancair IV have, among other qualities, cross flow heads and a beautifully tuned induction system which produces the best cylinder power balance ever. Continental also has a superior fuel pump metering system. As a result these Continental 550's will consistently bum about 15% less fuel That equates to areal dollar savings of about $10,000, in just fuel alone, over the life of the engine. But more than that the 550 will increase your range and endurance by 15% as well and that is a serious safety and utility advantage.
3. Reliability: Continental big block engines have statistically shown the highest level of reliability. The new 550 series engines have several refinements found only in these, newer Continental series engines including the famed "7th. bolt" that has eliminated all case cracking issues.
4. Weight: Simple. The Continental is lighter which equates to additional payload and utility.
5. Smoothness: The Continental six cylinder engines are noticeably smoother. Smoothness is not some esoteric meaningless notion, it is a real world issue and we noticed that smoothness immediately.
Conclusion: Don't get me wrong Lycoming makes a good engine and we sell a bunch of them for the two place aircraft. They have encouraged me to install a 540 in our plane and offer that option. While I have nothing against that engine, I and virtually anyone else who truly looks at all the issues (and takes a good look at our Lancair IV airframe and flight parameters as well) must choose the best engine for the mission which is clearly the Continental 550 series.
Lance A. Neibauer
LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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