Hi all,


Have had a deposit on a STi since Oshkosh 2021, and the time has come when I'll have to decide on engines/props/etc. Thought I'd start a discussion on this to see what other's thoughts are regarding the best configuration.


It is likely I'll need to sell the kitfox not long after completing the build. So I'm more focused on what configuration is going to be the most desired for used buyers for the best profit margin, than I am on getting the configuration which best fits my use. I don't have any particular need for extreme performance, I am mainly just doing it for the building experience and enjoying it for a short time.


Short question is, any thoughts as to which engine/prop configuration would be most desired by used buyers?


Long question/where I stand:


When it comes to engines, it's probably between the Rotax 912iS or 915iS, since those are the ones for which a firewall-forward kit is available. (It's my first build so I'm thinking I'll want the most "plug and play" setup). If there's another engine option that's much better, then I might consider it but it seems as if those two are the most popular anyway.
I have read that the 912iS offers a better power to weight ratio... This doesn't quite seem right to me considering that the 915iS is only about 40lbs heavier with an extra 40hp. Can anyone testify to this?
Are there reasons to go NA vs. turbo? Big downsides to turbo? Maintenance?


Props.... I'm somewhat overwhelmed by all the options, discussions, and technical information there are for these. If someone could point me in the general direction of a relatively simplified comparison of common prop options that'd be great... All the discussions I am finding regarding props are somewhat over my head. I'm sure I'll understand it all soon but it'd be nice to find something simple to start with.


Anyways, I'm most likely going to go with a constant speed (variable pitch) unless someone gives me a good reason not to. Kitfox told me they basically have regular hydraulic, single lever, and Airmaster electric.
Unlike the engines, there's really no other components for the props besides the prop itself, so I suppose I wouldn't be limited to what Kitfox sells. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd imagine it wouldn't be any harder to install a prop not sourced from kitfox as long as it's compatible with the rest of the setup.


Of course, the best prop depends on the purpose of the aircraft. But once again, I probably won't be able to own it long enough to really care which prop I have, so I'm looking for what's going to be the most desirable to the buyers on the used market.


In your opinions, is the Airmaster worth the extra $12k? Is hydraulic as good as any?


[End elaboration]


All that to say, I'm looking for a place to start on figuring out which engine/prop configuration is ideal for my mission, and I'm having a hard time finding that so far, so I thought I'd make a post.


Any input/thought/opinions appreciated.