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Lycoming discontinue IO-390?

Carlpretzel

Active Member
Patron
Just read the latest Aopa magazine article about the pistrel with an IO-390 installed. The next sentence stated that lycoming will discontinue the IO-390? Does anyone know if this is true?
 
A low compression, mogas certified version of the IO-390 was being developed specifically for the Panthera. Lycoming decided not to produce this engine after testing due to a substantial decrease in power output that resulted from the lower than expected compression ratio required to meet certified engine detonation margins. Lycoming felt that a parallel valve engine could provide almost the same power running Mogas as the reduced compression IO-390 for less money and weight.

If anything Lycoming may stop producing new angle valve IO-360 variants in favor of the IO-390. Have you noticed that a new IO-390 costs less than a new angle valve IO-360? Hmm......
 
My feeling from the first post was that Van's should be enough of a customer to Lycoming that I'm sure they would be in the loop and would not have designed an aircraft around an engine that Lycoming would drop.
 
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