0-290 and Ezs?

[Anonymous]

In reading through the archives I see much reference to negative press about the 0-290 engine, particularly with respect to the Ez application.  This may not be the best engine, but if a builder had one sitting around ready to go?

Aside from parts availability issues, does anyone have a clue about why the 0-290 is considered a bad engine (in a LongEz)?

[Anonymous]

The downside is the weight of the O290 is almost that of the O320 but you only have ~125HP instead of 160HP of the O320.

The O-290D or D2 is not a bad engine. Some builders have  converted the O-290G which is a GPU (Ground Power Unit)  based on the aircraft certified D/D2.  
Many of these comversions were done in the 70's when GPU's were selling for $50. The EAA has a conversion manual.

[Anonymous]

Also... the O290 is a conical mount.  Most O320's are Dynafocal. Not a
problem you will just need the proper mount.

[Tomkat]

The 0-290 is a good engine. Burt has been quoted as saying it would be almost ideal without a starter. the bad rep it has come from poorly converted gpu engines. the 0-290 is almost identical to the 0-235 and most parts interchange with the 0-235 and 0-320.
Tom