What am i missing... engine question


I am shopping engines...


As much as the Yamaha edge is dominating the news in endless YouTubes right now, I am more comfortable with a traditional approach to engine reliability - I do not need 300 HP, don’t want the noise, the associated internal stresses and all the problems associated with living at the limits.


My primary focus is reliability and I willing to give up performance and pay extra for that.


Right now I am looking at the Titon 340, Rotax 915is and the Viking Honda 170HP (turbo) at half the price, but used... I know nothing about the Viking conversion but I do know I have owned many honda cars and even a 250 HP marine engine with zero problems - ever.


In regards to aircraft, I am still on the fence. With the Kitfox delivery so far out I have fully shifted focus to the Highlander, S-21, and even the Zeneth 750. The nose wheel is a concern but with that said , cub crafters indicates better stol numbers with their nose wheel models. My biggest concern with the Zenith is the nose wheel getting in the way in rougher areas. Right now I’m about 70% S-21, 10% Highlander and 20% Zenith. Folding wing has zero appeal, as it will be hangared. Primary use will be low level solo flight in southern Utah. I absolutely will not be cruising at 12,000 unless in ground effect.


The general stats...


Viking / 170 Turbo Honda at about $20k
This engine is direct inject at 260 lbs with gear box
Advantages - price, reliability, direct inject, turbo, performance.
Disadvantage - weight


Titan 340 / 160 HP at about $30k
Fuel injection no turbo at 245 lbs with direct drive
Advantages - reputation of builder, direct drive (lower rpm), higher tbo
Disadvantages - weight, not turbo


Rotax 915is 135 HP at about $40k (the 140HP is a 5 minute burst rating)
Fuel injection with turbo at 185 pounds with gear box (1200 tbo)
Advantages - low weight, turbo
Disadvantages - cost, low tbo, lowest HP


I like all three.


Is the direct drive enough of a benefit to focus on Titan.


Is the weight saving enough to focus on Rotax even with 1200 tbo.


Is the extra weight of the Viking offset by the higher HP and lower cost.


If all three engines were FREE and cost was not a driver, which one would you pick and why.


I am not worried about the Viking being a used engine as it is a Honda, and with 30 years of owning a Honda’s, the reliability is very high.




I’m thinking the Viking... what am I missing...


Would you go to the Titan fuel inject 360 or 370 at 180HP at 280 pounds...