Page 1 of 2

Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:56 pm
by Nomore767
Tecnam told me that the P92 Eaglet is available in USA with the option of the Lycoming 0-233 engine.

Phil Soloman told me it's a $20k option. 0-233 engine is very good, burns both 100LL and auto gas, direct spark, LSA engine burning 5.25 gph. Option includes and Andair fuel selector …and has a 2400 TBO.

You can also get the 912 IS engine.

I saw a picture the Eaglet with the Lycoming when it was displayed at the expo in Germany last year. I think the wider cowling with the twin intakes really changes the look of the Eaglet, for the better.

There are pictures out there, I just don't know how to do it (sorry).

2014 Eaglet price is $152k with Dynon 10" (no Garmin option) so with Lycoming $172K.

This engine option would, I suppose, give you an alternative to the Rotax powered P2008…in a way.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:24 pm
by dstclair
There was a Rotax powered P92 in the shop when I picked up my Sting from its annual. Nice looking plane, fit and finished was good but the cockpit was tiny with minimal headroom. I'm a tall guy and could not physically fit. I'd guess one would need to be under 6' to fit.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:48 pm
by Nomore767
The Eaglet with and without the Lycoming 0-233 engine. Note the wider cowl intakes. I think it looks better but it does look like a P2008 and with the option prices like one too, so…..

The top picture is the Rotax powered P92 and the bottom two are the plane with the Lycoming 0-233.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:51 pm
by MrMorden
I really don't get it. Pay $20k more and get a heavier engine that burns more fuel? The 2400 TBO is nice, but for $20k my replacement Rotax is paid for at the 2000 TBO (assuming I either invest the $20k during that period or sell my run out 912iS at the end).

With these light little planes weight is by far the primary consideration...if you are going to put a heavier engine in one, you really have to bring a lot to the table to justify it, I don't think this makes the cut. Heck, the benefits of the 912iS are arguably not enough to justify its 18-25lb penalty over the 912S/912ULS...

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 1:00 pm
by FastEddieB
From my ROTAX experience to date, I think I would go ROTAX even if they were the same price and the same weight.

Heavier and more expensive? Like Andy, for me a no-brainer.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:25 pm
by Nomore767
When I spoke with Phil Solomon he didn't seem that interested either.

Just thought I'd offer it for your amusement and discussion.

So, you guys wouldn't do the IS engine either? Weight gain but no carbs, no carb heat and even lower fuel burn?

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:33 pm
by dstclair
Nomore767 wrote:When I spoke with Phil Solomon he didn't seem that interested either.

Just thought I'd offer it for your amusement and discussion.

So, you guys wouldn't do the IS engine either? Weight gain but no carbs, no carb heat and even lower fuel burn?
Current benefit doesn't offset the weight for me. I've had zero issues with the carbs in 6+ years and balancing has been included in my flat-rate annuals. I have SkyDrive fulltime carb heat with no power degradation installed so I don't have that worry on the ULS. Real world, non-flight school IS efficiency seems to be 15%. You'll never recoup the $$$ difference.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:48 pm
by CharlieTango
My favorite Rotax by far is the 914, I would only look to a Lyc for something in the 200hp range.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:32 pm
by 3Dreaming
If the cost of the Lycoming is $20,000 more you could get more than double the 2400 hour TBO of the Lycoming with the Rotax. At the end of the first Rotax 2000 hour TBO you can buy a new engine for less than the $20,000 at todays pricing for another 2000 hour TBO. After that you can sell your core and take the money left over from the engine purchase and be half way or more towards the next 2000 hour TBO. Now add in some fuel savings, and you might be able to get to 6000 hours for that $20,000 option.

I'm with the others on the 912Is. You can not save enough fuel and maintenance to offset the increased cost of the engine, at least within the first 2000 hours.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 4:08 pm
by Nomore767
Thanks guys!

The P2008 I did the demo flight in at Sebring had a 914 turbo and it was smoooothe!

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:21 pm
by Flocker
Nomore767 wrote:Thanks guys!

The P2008 I did the demo flight in at Sebring had a 914 turbo and it was smoooothe!
Agree!

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:24 am
by MrMorden
Turbos make everything better! :twisted:

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:41 am
by drseti
A turbo allows your engine to develop more power at altitude. If you cross the Rockies with any regularity, it's a pretty good investment. If you're a flatlander flying under SP rules, you'll be at 10k and below anyway, so the cost, complexity, and maintenance issues associated with a blower are harder to justify.

Another limitation, in an LSA, is that turbos perform best when driving a constant-speed prop. Fixed pitch prevents you from reaping all of the potential benefits.

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:39 pm
by Mark Gregor
I have almost 100 hours now in the 914 P2008. As others have noted the engine is very smooth compared to the 912. Almost electric smooth.
The main thing you will notice is the much better thrust. This engine may only be rated 15 hp more but as many have said it feels like a lot more. The rotax 914 is turbo boosted up to 40 inches manifold pressure. Most Lycoming or continentals turbos are turbo normalized up to standard atmospheric pressure or slightly above.

It is true there is more potential with a constant speed prop but even with a fixed pitch the 914 is a whole new world. You really need to try it to see. Nothing wrong with the standard 912. Just that the 914 is very smooth, quiet and powerful in comparison.

Jake

Re: Tecnam P92 Eaglet with Lycoming 0-233 Engine

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:43 pm
by drseti
Jake, what is the TBO on your 914? Have you experienced any maintenance issues?