Message-ID: <37988703.7B7A2333@regandesigns.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 1999 08:15:15 -0700
From: Brent Regan <brent@regandesigns.com>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: RE:lycoming 540
References: <19990723040259.AAA25644@truman.olsusa.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Of the 8 original "Kits" to adapt a K-section 540 engine to a stock LIV engine
mount, 7 have flown and one is still building. Of the seven; four have been flying
with no, or minor, problems, two have have suffered low oil pressure problems
(resulting from incorrect oil system components used during assembly) that
resulted in teardowns, and one was destroyed in a crash (icing in a snow storm).

The 6 flying installations have accumulated approximately 2000 hours with mine
having the highest total time at 560 hours. I have had two engine problems in that
time. One was a loose field lead on the alternator and the other was a cracked
induction runner.

Lycoming has built many times more engines in the 300 to 350 horsepower class than
Continental, and rebuildable cores are readily available for $5000 to $10000 USD.
Add the cost of a rebuild and the adapter and turbo components and you will be out
about the same as a 550. You are best to start with a 300 hp naturally aspirated
core and add the custom turbo components.

The all up installed dry weight including all accessories, hoses and baffling was
611 pounds (278Kg). The engine produces 350 Hp at 2700 rpm and 35" mp. 75% cruise
is at 2500, 28" and 21gph with a 1500 degree TIT. I used 8.5:1 compression pistons
so less boost is required and lower TITs and a higher critical altitude is
achieved (FL240). The engine installation I did with Derek Hine will be featured
in an upcoming CAFE report in Sport Aviation.

A couple of years ago I sold the tooling to make the sump, intake, exhaust and
plans for the plumbing and baffling to LyCon in Visalia California. They have been
VERY slow in bringing the kits to market.

Regards
Brent Regan

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