I also love this eternal dream so need to give some thoughts of mine.

 

I have followed all auto engines in aircraft for many years and I have been very impressed with the LS1 engine design. I was always very concerned when new engines were developed using racing engine blocks then custom heads, gear boxes, etc. So my thoughts were to leave an engine as close to stock as possible. GM had the experience of the small block V8 and a room or two full of engineers with CAD systems when they designed the LS1 and still when they ran them on the first tests they broke crankshafts while stressing the engines. They spent probably $200 mill. developing that new engine and some folks think they can build a better engine from racing parts. Now the LS 7 is coming out with a steel billet crankshaft, Titanium rods, New cast block with cast in iron sleeves, dry sump, and 500 HP. Then they put them in anyone's hands and warrantee them for 100,000 miles. The more you look at the details of the engine it really looks amazing.

Then there is this company http://www.vestav8.com/ that makes a PSRU for this engine in an airplane. Makes heavier radiators and they say propeller?? Does anyone know anything about them? I'm looking for one with 800 to 1000 hrs on it in the air. BTW they say a LS1 complete without exhaust weighs 348 lbs.

Thanks,