SS 7 Lyc -235 or Cont O-200 ???

[southwind32]

Should be starting a SS 7 project soon. Trying to decide on what engine I want. Sorry, but I want a Lyc or a Cont. Just looking for comments pros and cons. Thanks

[N981MS]

Happy with my IO-240 (ballpark of O-235) after 14 years and 800 hours. Who knows if I would have been happier with a 912. I would have had more useful load but not that old school airplane rumble.

[southwind32]

I've never seen a IO-240 nor have I seen one for sale. Where did you find yours?

[redbowen]

I did a Lycoming O290D and couldn't be happier. Its all a trade off, weight and horsepower. I flew with a friend with the 912 and we could always land in the same tight places and cruise about the same speed. He just burned less fuel. I think the 912 required more maintenance and it has a lower overhaul time, but they are both awesome in a Kitfox.

[GMKman]

I might be speaking before I think enough about it ( my wife says I'm good at that haha) but I've been thinking about swapping my IO 240 with a uls 912.
My 240 runs great with less than 500 hrs on it, but I love to fly into short landing strips so less weight would help and ( maybe opening a can of worms but) water cooling in the heads works better in hot AZ weather.
I'm aware however I would have to figure out some plan for taking the forward rake out of the wings to offset the lighter engine and I'm sure a thousand other things I would need to do.
Not sure if anyone has done this change to their kitfox and if they think it's worth the hassle.