Zipper Big Bore

[Flyboy66]

Which would be the better choice and why?

Buy the 80hp 912 Rotax and have the 104 hp Zipper upgrade installed, or just buying the 100 hp Rotax in the first place. Do Zipper engines make TBO and beyond without excessive wear?

In my experience, pushing a smaller power plant harder leads to a shorter life. I have also read on this forum that engine mods will void the warranty, so it seems like a better choice to go with an engine that produces the output you want rather than upgrading a smaller engine to the same power.

Steve

[Clark in AZ]

I think you answered your own question. That is my way of thinking too.

[Flyboy66]

What seems logical isn't always correct due to missing facts. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

So, next question: What does fuel injection offer over carburetor? It costs more. Carb ice ever an issue? Which is easier to maintain? Which is cheaper to maintain?

[efwd]

Can you even buy a car that has a carburetor these days? Just askin.

[Av8r3400]

IMO:

1. I would go with the 100 hp ULS engine right away rather than mod a 80 hp engine if you are buying new. In my case it was far cheaper to mod my existing engine to get the performance I was looking for. If this engine quits, I'd upgrade to the ULS.

2. I am not a fan of the complexity and cost of EFI. I understand the benefits and agree with them, but to me these benefits aren't worth said complexity and cost.

[Flyboy66]

That is my plan until someone shows me a better plan.

[jrevens]

IMO: ...


2. I am not a fan of the complexity and cost of EFI. I understand the benefits and agree with them, but to me these benefits aren't worth said complexity and cost.

I feel the same way. As has been pointed out before, the increased cost will most likely never be made up by the slightly better fuel economy, by the average owner, even after many years. There is also a weight penalty. Compared to many aircraft engines, the Rotax 912 ULS is already a much more "complicated" engine. The fuel injected engine takes this to a new level. I'm not saying they aren't good engines, but just that these are the thoughts that I have about them.

Flyboy66 - the injected engine is not turbocharged and doesn't maintain it's rated horsepower at any appreciable higher altitude than the 912 ULS to my knowledge.