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RV-6A engine swap.

WingnutWick

Well Known Member
Hi all,

I am looking into swapping out the O-320 H2AD on the RV-6A at some point with something with a little more spank to it as the 6 feels totally gutless compared to my RV-8 O-360. I am curious what the experience is with something like putting on O-360 onto a pre-existing O-320 setup. What (other than the obvious) is entailed? What would have to change? Any particular variants that would work better than others?

Thanks for the input folks!

Charles
 
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When I ordered my engine mount a few weeks back, they told me that the 320 mount was built 2 inches longer for weight and balance. Would that put you nose heavy?
 
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Im confused. I am building a 6. I ordered my mount in June. Thats just what they told me.

In that case they didn't fully understand that you're building a six...the six was designed for the O-320, and only had one mount. The seven was designed with the O-360 in mind because so many builders were putting 360's in their sixes. Putting a 360 in the six moves the CG forward (not necessarily a bad thing)...putting a 320 on a seven (without using the longer mount) moves the CG back (not necessarily a good thing).
 
as far as I know, depending on your serial, you might have, or not, a -7 engine mount (check for reinforcing gussets)... mine has (as well as pre-punched wing skins and -8 tail).
One thing to consider is, depending of which you have right now, having to replace the engine mount... and the matched landing legs (changed from conical to dynafocal on my -4 and had to replace the lot)...
Gotta say, the 180 ponies on a “light” airframe is a nice combination :)
 
In that case they didn't fully understand that you're building a six...the six was designed for the O-320, and only had one mount. The seven was designed with the O-360 in mind because so many builders were putting 360's in their sixes. Putting a 360 in the six moves the CG forward (not necessarily a bad thing)...putting a 320 on a seven (without using the longer mount) moves the CG back (not necessarily a good thing).

Moose is correct!
 
Ok, good to know. I was hoping for the option to possibly upgrade to a 360 some day. Based on what they told me I had figured i would just have to get a new mount and re-do pretty much everything firewall forward including the cowl if that day ever comes.
They ask for the serial number and mine dates to 1991. Something i can quit worrying about now:cool:
 
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