As some may have noticed, I have move way from my usual interest in low and slow puddlejumpers to consider tackling a Thorp T-18 project. The T-18 was designed around the O-290G ground power engine converted to aircraft used, plentiful and cheap in the 1960s. Builders have used everything from the little O-235 on up, but most wear O-320 and O-360 variants today. Yes, you cold adapt another suitable engine to the airframe, and I have my eye on the ULPower and D-Motor six-cyliners, but the easiest solution is a four-cylinder Lycoming or clone.
So, here's the deal. A new Lycoming, even an experimental clone, costs $25,000 or more and I'd like to spend less. I am not an engine guy and just building a T-18 is challenging enough, so I don't want to have to learn to rebuild a Lycoming myself. Ideally, I'd like as light an engine as possible and since I envision a light, minimalist build, anything from about 115 hp on up would be fine by me. What is the best way to get an airworthy and reliable Lycoming or clone on a budget, let's say under $15,000 or better yet under $10,000, complete firewall forward not counting the engine mount or prop?
So, here's the deal. A new Lycoming, even an experimental clone, costs $25,000 or more and I'd like to spend less. I am not an engine guy and just building a T-18 is challenging enough, so I don't want to have to learn to rebuild a Lycoming myself. Ideally, I'd like as light an engine as possible and since I envision a light, minimalist build, anything from about 115 hp on up would be fine by me. What is the best way to get an airworthy and reliable Lycoming or clone on a budget, let's say under $15,000 or better yet under $10,000, complete firewall forward not counting the engine mount or prop?
