Terrence asks:

> Has anyone converted a 320 from fixed pitch to constant speed props?
> If so, what's needed?

short answer...

If you have a hollow crank and the appropriate crankcase,
the conversion is not so bad. There are two plugs inside the nose
of the crank. I think the aft one is pierced for fixed pitch and
needs to be replaced with a solid plug for c/s. That doesn't seem
so difficult until you realize that there is an oil return
tube in the way. It looks impossible, but the old pierced plug can
be removed around the oil drain tube, and a new plug can be fitted
the same way. Or so I've been told.

The crankcase gets a plug on the right side removed and replaced
with an oil line to the new prop governor, which I think goes on the
lower right of the accessory case.

Plus some plumbing, prop, spinner, etc. All that could be done
with the engine still in the airframe. In a quick web search, I
didn't find the Lycoming publication, but here is an ECI document that
describes some of the changes:
http://www.eci2fly.com/pdf/04-4.pdf
I think there is also a description in one of Tony Bingelis' books.
Here it is... page 40-42 of "On Engines" describes the c/s -> fixed
conversion - which only requires piercing that aft seal, not replacing
it.

If you have a solid crank, or a case without the needed oil passages
and governor mount, then the conversion starts with a complete
engine rebuild. Or with the O-320-A1A I just happen to have in my shop.
It's about 4 SMOH, except for a rusty cam and lifters. Won't take
much to rebuild that engine and put it into a Lancair. I've been meaning
to get it back together and sold.