Originally when I started the build process I wanted to install a 210hp IO-390 in my plane. At the time, the price was about $32,000, which was steep. But I really wanted the extra power and I felt like if I can afford it, I may as well have what I want. Well, not long ago, for reasons I am not fully aware of, the price of the 390's shot up to $37 or $38K. Thats when I kinda said enough is enough, aircraft engines are already way overpriced in my humble opinion...but thats just crazy!So Aerosport Power has started to market a 'new' (actually the owner Bart says its been around about 5 yrs) engine, the IO-375. Here is some info on it,
It is essentially a 360 with a longer stroke producing between 195 and 205hp depending on compression. There are quite a few things that excite me about this engine. First, it is the same price and size of the 180hp IO-360 but with 15-25 more hp, gotta love that! Second, I have the option of running 'mogas' if I go with the lower compression 195hp version...still debating this but its a nice option to have. Lastly, its the same weight as the 360, which is about 30 lbs lighter than the IO-390. In the land of aircraft design, power-to-weight ratio is golden! My friend Pete Vinton is putting one of these in his RV8 in a few months, cant wait to get some feedback to see how he likes it. For now, I am a little ways off from engine selection time, so I am just keeping an eye on this engine.
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