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I have decided (for now anyway) to use the Lycoming IO-540 engine for my Legacy (starting builder prog in 4 weeks). My thinking is:

1) It is about 50 lbs lighter than the Cont IO-550 (installed).
2) There is enough room left under the cowl for turbo-normalizing if I decide I want to do that later.
3) The Lycoming seems to have a better reliability reputation.
4) Lycoming IO-540 engine cores seems to be fairly easy to find in the used engine market and don't seem to cost any more than the Lyc 360's.

I'm new to kit building and really don't trust my own limited knowledge base about aircraft engines. I currently fly behind a Cont TSIO-360 and have had none of the top end or cylinder problems that everyone complains about (knock on wood). I am not interested in a non-certified engine (I'll leave the R&D to more knowledgeable people).

My questions for the list are:

1) What are the flaws in my reasoning / thinking above? (you won't hurt my feelings, I really want to know)
2) Is the Lyc IO-540 V4A5 version the only one that will work in the Legacy or will an IO-540-D version (or any other version) fit without major modifications? (what I really want to know is do I have to buy a new one or can I find a used core and have it rebuilt by a custom shop)
3) I have been told to expect cruse speeds in the 225 knot area with the normally aspirated, 260hp IO-540. Does that seem about right?
4) Is the reliability of the Lyc IO-540 really that much better than the Cont IO-550 or is it just a case of personal preference? (like Ford VS Chevy).TIA,
Ron Laughlin
Legacy 0.0001%

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