Io-240 (125 Hp)

Has anyone installed an IO-240 (125 hp) in an RV-9/9A?

Given the RV-9/9A fuel capacity (36 gallons), the IO-240 burns 7 gph, and would give the RV-9/9A an endurance of 5 hours without reserves verses the IO-320's fuel burn of 9 gph, which givings an endurance of 4 hours without reserves.

Additionally, the IO-240 is lighter that the IO-320. 240 lbs verses 278 lbs.

Curious about performance of this engine/airframe combination. According to Van's website, Van estimated the RV-9/9A with a 135 hp engine would cruise (75% @ 8000 ft) at a gross weight (1600-1750 lbs) speed of 174 mph (150 kts).

If real world performance numbers for the FADEC controlled IO-240 in the RV-9/9A were close (160 mph/140 knots) to Van's estimates for the 135 hp engine above, then I think this might be a good engine/airframe combination for my flying requirements.

Does anyone know if the IO-240 in the RV-9/9A will cruise in the 160-170 mph (140-150 kts) range?

Thank you.

Charlie

RV-9A (pondering)
N827CB (reserved)

Thank you for the response to my inquiry. You provided me some food for thought.

Charlie

Take a look at the O-290 as an option

I found my O-290-D2 (140 hp for 5 min, 135 hp continuous around 5.6 gph) for $3500 with 740 TT. By the time I'm finished I expec to have around $7000 in the engine, and that will be with Emag / Pmag electronic ignition and an old fashioned carb.

It will require me to use a wood prop (most likely Catto), which I like better than metal.

There are two or three O-290 powered -9's out there, one -9 & one -9A and they are seeing the numbers Van's estimated on the web site.

If you are afraid of an orphan engine, go the O-320 route.

Whatever you do, just start building. You will find the right engine when the time comes.

O-290

The RV-3 builder 2 hangars down from me hung his 290 on the airframe. He had to fiddle with the carb cables and brackets because the carb sits further aft than on a 320. He also had to modify the baffle sheetmetal because the 290 attach lug, near the upper corner of the rocker cover, is on the opposite side of the cylinder centerline from the 320. Things will probably go smoother on our later kits.
I had a -D2 on my TriPacer (sold last month). I always managed to get less than 8 gph even with that draggy airframe. Gibson Aviation in OK City always had cylinders and other parts in stock.

riveting LE to left wing,
Steve