Long EZ use of IO-320B1A

[N3333Z]

A member of our EAA Chapter has a runout engine from a Twin Commanche.  The IO-320B1A is a higher compression 160HP, uses the Dynafocal Type 2 mount and is injected.  I'm asking this to see whether there is a source for the engine mount.  I have the big AeroCarb, (along with quite a few random nice parts) any ideas about compatibilty?

Regards, Russ

[Marc Oppelt]

I can't answer your question, but if you post it on the Canard Aviation forum you'll get some response and may get your question answered.  That forum is alot more active.

[Rick Hall]

Russ:

I'm not fluent at how a LE engine mounts to the firewall, but...

A conical ring, or just the cups, is readily available at Wicks or ACS. If you know of a tube/frame welder (race/drag/rock-crawler frame fabricator) in your area, it should be a matter of a case or two of suds to have one fabricated.

If you want to buy an engine mount 'off the rack' I might suggest you contact Chrissy or Randi at www.cozygirrrl.com They'll know where/when/how to sent them a template of your current mount points to ensure thrust line remains per plans.

Rick

[N3333Z]

Thanks to both of you for good leads.  There is a youtube video of a IO-320B1A mounted to a Long during engine start up so it's been done before.  There are a couple of interesting aspects to that engine and the Dynafocal 2 mount, it seems.  The fuel injection unit appears to be mounted to the rear (in our case, near the firewall) which is good from a balance standpoint.  Also, the Dynafocal 2 is used in twin engine installations where the mount attaches to a pylon and not a firewall.  There is a prop extension on the Twin Comanche and the type 1 and 2 mounts differ in the degree angle of the mounting points (the "cups", I suppose) so that the focus is farther out from the mount.  I suppose that's a good thing since our use includes a prop extension.  I believe the engine itself includes said extension, as well as a NIB constant speed prop.  I obviously couldn't use the prop but not sure about the extension.

The IO-320B1A is apparently the hot setup for the Falco, where the prop extension is used and the rearward location of the FI allows for a prettier setup than a chin intake. 

Regards, Russ

[N3333Z]

Say, I just searched the CAF and found that back in 2006, the Cozy Girls fabricated a suitable mount.  They had also written about the IO Lycs need an "H" brace and not an "X" so that the FI unit does not run into the mount.  I'll drop them a line and see if they have some input.

The CAF had been off line for some time and then registration was disabled for new users.  But now all is good and I've registered there also.

Russ

[Britguy59]

I believe the cozygirls have one. I have that engine, and I used a standard  Long ez  mount that came with my project, and then bought the correct ring from ACS, and had a welder modify the mount. Flying 2 yrs without problems. I did have to fabricate (on a harbor freight lathes) some mount inserts. No big problem though. good engine.