Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

Thanks for your input Eric. I'm two kits behind you with number 13. Your feedback helps to put me solidly in the undecided category for engines. I was pretty solidly in the o-320 camp yesterday. The IO-233 seems like a great option with weight savings and inverted capability vs. the o-320. The loss in horsepower is of course a consideration (score o320). Less weight on the nose is too (score io233). The availability of mid time or rebuildable 320s is good. I'd need to buy a new IO-233. That's at least $10k more for the 233. The extra 400 hours TBO time is also a big plus as is the electronic ignition.

It's a difficult decision. Fortunately I have an airframe to build while I try to figure it out. I'm looking forward to Bob Woolley's flight report on his sport model with the O-320.

The IO-233 is basically a light weight O-235. I have flown behind O-235 engines for over 2,000 hours. The engines are almost bullet proof. I have disassembled O-235 engines for overhaul that were flying in aircraft with cams so worn the valves barely opened, with compressions in the 20 psi range, and even with less than 2 quarts of oil in the sump. The engines have a 2,400 TBO and they are certified for that 2,400 TBO. I have seen many go well beyond that TBO. I'm not selling engines here, but the O-235 is a great power plant that is under stressed (low compression ratio) and can burn auto fuel with no problems. Yes, I have over 2,500 hours of running Lycoming engines on auto fuel without a single problem. The engine with a light weight starter and charging system (and possibly electronic ingnition) is right in there on weight with the Corvair. Parts aren't that expensive now that lycoming has some competition (ECI and Superior).

I don't claim to be the the "expert" or the "engine expert" as I know there will always be more to learn. Although, I am an A&P, a pilot, an EAA Tech Counselor, an aircraft owner and I've built and restored several aircraft over the years. The best thing I've done recently is purchase Panther Kit (Serial Number 11) and I can't wait to get started(picked up the partial tail kit @ OSH)! And yes it will have a Lycoming O-235-C (115 HP @ 2,800 RPM burning around 6 GPH of auto fuel) on it.

Better place your order soon, because I think the line is soon to be a long one.

Sorry, this is the correct blog post:

http://www.zenith.aero/profiles/blog/sh ... nt%3A84791

At the bottom is the option and pricing info but the post is from 2010. It seems a few Zenith builders are using that engine.

I found this info from the zenith forum. The guy who purchased one includes his pricing.

http://www.zenith.aero/m/blogpost?id=26 ... st%3A82839

I think another resource might be the guy at renegade light sport. He told me at OSH that he had a couple new engines in his hangar.

I think the IO-233 would be a good fit, especially if you can do it with the inverted systems. It is a pricey engine - but they all are. Have you found a place you can purchase one yet? If so, let me know. Lycoming states you need to go to your kit manufacturer - but they haven't been responsive when we have discussed it with them in the past. I am also finding conflicting information online. The inverted version is listed as the AEIO-233 at 204 lbs where the IO-233 is listed as 214 lbs. Do you have a link to a resource with some good information on it? I am going to go after Lycoming again, but would like to have more information before I do....

Hey Dan and Rachel,
I've been wondering about the IO-233. Under powered compared to the O-320 but with the weight savings and factory electronic ignition and inverted systems it might be worth it. Your thoughts???

Lycoming 0-320 = 244 lbs
Corvair 3.0L = 218 lbs
Jabiru 3300 = 180 lbs
UL 260is = 160 lbs

Rachael,

Do you have weight information that you can put in comparison.
Corvair
Lycoming O-320
Jabiru

Thank you,
Darren

No - the IO-320 or a constant speed prop will be too heavy for the Panther.

Hi - Will "approved" engine options include the IO-320 in addition to the O-320, and will constant speed props also be an "approved" option? - Thanks, Chris