Single Source Engines?

[quesauce]

All,

I've been pondering the choices we have in picking a noisemaker for the Panther. The Corvair, UL Power, Jabiru, and even the new D Motor all have merit (some are shared, some are unique to each engine). One of the things common to all three that concerns me, however, is the somewhat limited supply of parts given the fact that they are unique and supplied by small companies.

The Corvair may be the least problematic. But if the Wesemans decide they're sick and tired of dealing with a bunch of whiny airplane builders and want to start providing kits to underwater basket weavers, those with a Corvair might have a problem finding replacement cylinders, crankshafts, 5th bearings, etc. as they are not the GM original parts widely available.

The Jab and the UL may pose a bigger risk. The whole thing is dependent on the future success of each company. One of the UL's big selling points is FADEC. And while FADEC is great, your engine simply won't run if your ECU goes down and a replacement isn't available. I've been reading over on vansairforce that some of the folks that used the Vertical Power systems for their wiring systems are having major pains given that they can't get replacement parts and might have to completely redo their electrical system.

It is entirely possible that Lycoming or the Lyclone companies might go out of business. But given the sheer number of Lyc engines in use across the world, someone will always be there to cater to the market. I'm not sure I can make that same statement for the alternatives.

Please don't misunderstand my intent; I think the alternative engines are great and it's fantastic to have choices. One of the problems with having choices is analysis paralysis so this is just one of those things that I've been thinking about lately. I would hate to spend $10k-$25k on an orphaned engine. I understand that everything has risk; I would love to hear others thoughts and opinions about mitigating those risks.