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Comment by Bob McDonald on October 6, 2012 at 8:05pm

The best engine for the CH801 hp/weight/performance is the Lycombing 0-360 180 hp engine. Donkey reliable and proven performance in the CH801 airframe. As fuel efficient as it gets... and the CH801 will only be a 110 mph cruise regardless of the hp up front.

Comment by Bob Pustell on October 6, 2012 at 7:46pm

At high outside air temps, you will not be developing full power. The 801 is designed to fly with 180 HP. So, an engine that is rated for more power would give you approximately the design power of the airframe when it is struggling in your climate. I would suggest one of the uncertified high horsepower "clones" of the Lycoming O-360. By making it an O-360 derived engine, the engine mount, cowl, etc from the kit would still work. By using a hot-rodded clone, you will get the extra power you most likely will be wanting. Several of the big engine overhaul shops make hot-rodded O-360's for the experimental market. Some are still 360 cubic inches and get the power with traditional hotrodding techniques. Some fit larger cylinders and pistons. Or, you could read up on what is done to get the extra ponies and rebuild a tired O-360 yourself to the higher power specs.

 

Your other option would be a totally different but more powerful engine, but then you are looking at custom engine mount, custom cowl, custom exhaust, etc etc etc. Life is full of choices.