All this talk about engines makes me wonder what is actually out there and
what have been the operational problems with each choice.  I am doing an ES
and it's time to make an engine decision.  Some of the anecdotal
information:

1.  There are about 11 IV's with Lycoming engines.  Which model, what
horsepower?
2.  There are very few IV's with V8's.  One?
3.  There is at least one ES with a Porsche aircraft engine and one with an
IO-520.
4.  There have been 4 TSIO-550 failures caused by a failed scavenge pump
driveshaft.
5.  How many crankshaft failures have there been in IO-550's?
6.  As far as I know there have been no crankcase or cylinder failures in
550's.
7.  I read one comment that in effect said "the only place you can get a
recommendation for Continental over Lycoming is at Lancair."

I would like to get an idea of how many Lycoming (6-cylinder) engines are
being used in Lancairs and some idea of operational problems, that would
favor either side (Lycoming vs. Continental, the V8's have been publicly
discussed many times).  For example, hot starts are a problem for both, but
the Continental system has a return line that, with patience, can be used to
purge part of the system.  Lycoming 6-cylinder hot starts are criticized,
but 4-cylinder not.  Why?  They use the identical fuel system.

Any comments out there?

Gary Casey
ES sans engine