“…The Lyc started as a solid design but not perfect and has benefited from continuous improvements over 80 years…”
That is hilarious!
Of course the price has definitely seen contiguous increase over the last 80 years…
Are you kidding... You are Hilarious!!!
The price of LYC has GONE DOWN (vs inflation). Why? Lycoming (Textron), Superior, ECI, Titan.... We are so lucky dripping with Lycs and Lyc clones using PMA parts. Competition = lower prices. These are Lyc (Textron) prices TODAY (just after the recent price increase due to inflation affecting everything). From Van's web store:
Experimental O-320 160HP EA XO-320-D2G RT $28700.00
Experimental O-360 180HP EA XO-360-A1A RT $29400.00
Go pre "panorama" prices (sp intentional
) prices were $3K less. At Oshkosh I talked to the Superior guy. He had a brand new bright shinny O-360 (180HP) engine for $28,000 today. Prices have gone up for EVERYTHING, not just flying. Price a Gal 100LL of late? Manufactures are having a hard time getting materials etc.
Now what do you think that 159HP Vernier S9 cyl piston engine cost? The price I found for a Verner S9 (2018 price) was $31,000. I am sure it is more 2021. Let's not forget shipping from East Europe. Lyc has 2000 hrs recommended TBO the Verner is 1000 hr TBO. I recall the Verner S9 crank is solid crank, no hydraulic CS prop.
BTW ever price a Rotax? A new 915Si (140hp) costs $40,350.
That is way more than a Lycoming. Yet you are going to whine about Lyc prices? $29K for a Lycoming is a bargain.
RESALE... A nice RV with a low time Lyc and well stuffed glass panel are now selling for $120K routinely. If you buy a Lyc you will get your money out of it. Alternative engine powered planes tend to sell for less. I don't know about a Verner S9 since it is so new. But Lycs are desirable.
My RV4 had a O320 150HP with Hartzell CS prop and at 8,000 ft cruised 190MPH and SL top speed 208 MPH. I could go 22 square and scoot along at 6 GPH... Really a great engine. So a O320 (150-160hp) is less money and will still make any 2-Plc RV scoot along. You have to pay to fly. You know aerodynamics? How to planes fly, right. Lift? NO... Money. Ha ha.
What is your POINT?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj60OAh7O5U
TALE OF CHEAP LYC
I have $12,000 in my fresh OH Lyc O-360-A1A *(180HP). How? bought used 0-360 with 600hrs on first overhaul from new. Paid less than $3,000. I tore it down with AI friends help. Shipped case, crank, rods and carbonator off for OH. The heads, pistons, rings, valves, seats were great and did an inspection. Put it back together. Have less than $8000 in parts and labor, plus $3000 for electronic ignition and small ND alternator. Grand total about $14K. You can't touch that value.
You are hilarious.