Quote Originally Posted by genie View Post
Thanks to all for your comments.

As for a Viking engine, I discussed this with homebuilder friends. They all dis-endorse the Viking engines as they say that they are made by the same people who used to provide modified Subaru engines for aircraft.

It seems that the consensus is to go for a Rotax engine. I can see three issues with this:

1) Such an engine is usually rather expensive, at least compared to some alternatives.

2) I have heard of reliability issues with Rotaxes as they can fail. They are highly stressed for aircraft engines as they produce more than 1 HP per cubic inch, and in some cases 1.2 HP per cubic inch.

3) Most important: I heard of many Rotax engines being stolen from their aircraft. As they are so good thieves take them. I would like to be able to sleep with peace of mind at nights and not worry about my Rotax engine being stolen.

By the Numbers:

1) Comparing a NEW Rotax 912 to a NEW Continental or Lycoming you will find the Rotax very affordable. I can list several people that have purchased low time used engines that are flying them today for less than $7500. Affordable 912 engines are out there, you just need to look for them. By the time they land on Barnstormers they are already sold.
2) Reliability issues with Rotax are easily put into two categories: Owner induced problems and incompetent Mechanic induced. In both cases it is most often people trying to "Fix" something that isn't broken.
3) This is an overblown rarity.

If you enjoy the build and the experimentation of Experimental Aircraft, choose your own crazy engine and enjoy it! If you are more interested in flying, go with an engine that is supported by your Kit manufacturer and has some following among builders. This will give you the best chance of success.

As to Viking, the day Jan Eggenfellner starts paying back the money he stole from all of his Subaru customers, I will take him seriously. Until then, I'm not interested.