Lycoming Engines
An OEM agreement with Lycoming allows Van's Aircraft to sell factory new experimental engines to RV builders at prices far below list. This agreement specifies that engines may be sold only to customers who have purchased a complete RV kit. The engine must be installed in an RV aircraft. Only one engine may be sold per RV kit.
These engines are equipped with lightweight starters, 149-tooth ring gears, dual magnetos, carburetors (or fuel injection systems), and engine-driven fuel pumps. The engines come with roller tappet lifters and camshafts as standard equipment. They have provisions (drive pads) for vacuum pumps and prop governors, but those components (along with alternators and exhaust systems) must be supplied and installed by the builder. These engines are built to the same standards and on the same assembly line as the certified Lycomings, but do not come with the certified airworthiness paperwork. Some countries may require this paperwork, so be sure to check local regulations before ordering. Van's can supply Certified engines if required - please call or email us to discuss prices and delivery.
The X(I)O-320, X(I)O-360 (180 or 200hp), XIO-390 and XIO-540 engines are set up for constant-speed propellers as delivered (except for the XO-320 D2G, which is a fixed-pitch only configuration). The X(I)O-320 and X(I)O-360 (180hp) engines may be converted for fixed-pitch operation with a crankshaft plug. All Lycoming engines ordered from Van's are packaged for long-term storage. Engines are drop-shipped directly from Lycoming to builders in the United States and Canada. All other international sales ship to Van's, which in turn ships the engine to the customer.
The XIO-360-M1B (180hp), XIO-360-A1B6 (200hp), and XIO-390 engines include a forward horizontal induction oil sump and injector body, permitting the use of Van's "horizontal induction" cowl that does NOT require an external scoop on the lower cowl, as seen on our demonstrator RV-7A, 8A and RV-14A. ALL other engines have a vertical draft sump with fuel injection or carburetor that DOES require the external scoop on the lower cowl as seen our RV-9A and IO-540 powered RV-10.
The XIO-390-A3B6 (210hp) can only be sold to RV-7/7A, RV-8/8A, and RV-14/14A customers.
The XIO-540-D4A5 can be supplied with either a dual- or single-pulley groove ring gear. The dual-pulley version is used when an AC compressor is installed.
The Lycoming warranty commences on either the date first placed into service by the original retail purchaser, or twenty-four (24) months after the engine is first shipped from Lycoming, whichever occurs first, and shall extend for a total period of twenty-four (24) months or 2200 hours, whichever occurs first.
If a new Experimental Lycoming engine and propeller are ordered at the same time, Van's offers a special "package" discount on the combination. This package reduces the final price of the engine by $1000.
Non-Certified Lycoming Engines Order Form
Non-certified Lycoming engines are functionally and mechanically identical to the certified models but do not have the certifications required for installation on certificated, production airplanes. These certifications are not required for airplanes licensed in the experimental category.
Non-Certified Lycoming Thunderbolt Engines Order Form
Thunderbolt engines are Lycoming's brand of high-performance, built-to-order power plants for experimental aircraft. They build upon the standard non-certified engines and include a rotating system balanced to within 0.5 gram (connecting rods, pistons, piston pins), ported and polished cylinders, and customized paint options.