People put Chevy V8s in them - no reason why a 550 wouldn't work with enough wrenching.
Yes, but no need imho. The IO-540 provides plenty of power, and all of the "over the counter " firewall forward parts are for Lycones. It has been done before for sure.
Van's airframes are usually expertly designed with a relatively small range of engine's in mind and AFaIK he actively discourages significant deviations from those. Generally, "excessive" HP is destabilizing and comes with other serious issues like cooling, fuel flow, CG, prop clearance, etc. that need serious expertise to mitigate. IIRC, 260 is the maximum recommended HP and while the 550's extra 40 ponies might not seem like a big leap, remember that the other end of the range is 200 HP.Would it be possible to put a IO-550 in an RV-10?
OK, so it was a dumb question
Thanks
I'm waiting for someone to build a twin RV-10.
Van's airframes are usually expertly designed with a relatively small range of engine's in mind and AFaIK he actively discourages significant deviations from those. Generally, "excessive" HP is destabilizing and comes with other serious issues like cooling, fuel flow, CG, prop clearance, etc. that need serious expertise to mitigate. IIRC, 260 is the maximum recommended HP and while the 550's extra 40 ponies might not seem like a big leap, remember that the other end of the range is 200 HP.
But to answer your actual question directly, the answer is yes it's possible. Probably just not practical.
I ran across this very interesting 'white paper' on RV engine selection. Ken is an engineer at Vans.Van's airframes are usually expertly designed with a relatively small range of engine's in mind and AFaIK he actively discourages significant deviations from those. Generally, "excessive" HP is destabilizing and comes with other serious issues like cooling, fuel flow, CG, prop clearance, etc. that need serious expertise to mitigate. IIRC, 260 is the maximum recommended HP and while the 550's extra 40 ponies might not seem like a big leap, remember that the other end of the range is 200 HP.
If it's looking for 260 I'd put an IO-470 in.
Me too, but I'm not the biggest fan of Lyconisaurs.
A buttery smooth TCM big bore six and a three blade McCaulley.
Mmmmmm
Apparently Van's or Van's customers favor the IO-540 because they dropped support for Continental installations. Still doable but you'd end up doing a lot more design and fabrication that way.If it's looking for 260 I'd put an IO-470 in.
I ran across this very interesting 'white paper' on RV engine selection. Ken is an engineer at Vans.
http://www.vansaircraft.com/pdf/hp_limts.pdf
If anyone knows where I got this, please share. I found it with a search but I can't recall where this kind of Vans information is being posted.
Apparently Van's or Van's customers favor the IO-540 because they dropped support for Continental installations. Still doable but you'd end up doing a lot more design and fabrication that way.
No worries, if I was in the market that wouldn't deter me. Having that 'High' pump that will run the engine is worth the effort.