Allan,  Hope it’s okay if I comment here.  Like Ford or Chevy owners, there are probably

lots of opinions on who has the best engine and I’m not into cutting down any of them.  If

it starts good, runs good, has enough power and is dependable then I would say it’s a good engine.  Cost and weight seem to be the biggest issues.  I finished a stol 750 last year and

installed a UL350is — too early to tell, but I do have 80+ hours on it and, so far, it hasn’t

missed a beat.  Was easy to install, starts instantly, has great power and is light weight.

The only negative part is the cost.

  I am currently building a 650 (picked up the kit about 6 weeks ago)  and I plan to install

a UL350 in it.  My old Warrior has a Lycoming engine and I had a 172 with a Continental

and either would be my next choice - I just like having fuel injection and Fadec.  I’ve had

lots of construction equipment in my life with lots of radiator issues so my preference is

air cooled, but the”best engine” is what fits the best criteria for each builder.  Good luck

with your project!

Robert

The engine was $21,000 and the complete forward firewall including mount, cowl, propeller, and everything to make it run (less battery) was $5800.  Expensive compared to some, but it seems to have a good  track record - I think Roger has a couple thousand hours on the one they have in the factory Cruzer.  My stol plane weighed in at 807lbs. and I certified it at 1440lbs gross. I can fill my tanks (30 gallons), take a 250lb passenger and the plane leaps

off the runway.  I can be 500agl by the time at the end of our 3200’ runway so it has plenty of power for the plane.  I suppose the Viking will do the same.

Sure Allen,I have two coms, one GPS, one ELT, one transponder, one ADSB, a VOR/ILS, a marker beacon as  well as one on the glare shield for satellite radio.