Just bought a project PA-18 which came with this engine.
The seller stated the engine is a 160hp. I was under the belief
that only wide deck engines could be modified to 160hp. But now
I am hearing that Lycoming actually made some narrow deck 160's
Would anyone know for sure? if so are these engines desirable or are
they similar to the 0-290's which are impossible to fine parts for?

Well, thanks for the reply, I guess it will take a while to understand
the jest or format of this site, after reading the home page it appears this site is more about using these type planes which is good.
Jim

If I'm not mistaken, the 160hp TriPacers were actually narrow deck engines. You're right however, you normally associate a wide deck with the 160hp.

Dave

Lycoming did make 160hp narrow decks in the 50's.... O-320-B2A.

I've got an O-320 B3B in my PA-12 and have put about 500 hours on it. It's been a good engine: at 2450 rpm it burns 7.2 gph. No maintenance problems (knock on wood).

The Lycoming Operators Manual indicates that the B and D series are rated at 160 hp (except the O-320-D2J).

Hey, don't worry about offending me (and you didn't at all). Turns out my air strip neighbor is one of the Alsworth brothers, which in these parts are fairly knowledgeable. Happen to run in to two of them at the cafe.
and got an answer about the B3B.
And as for my silence, just don't always remember how to get back to the sites I like and then can't remember what ever screen name and password I felt like the day I joined.
Just about got the 18 airframe ready for powercoat, only made one modification which is an access door for the Dodge extended baggage.
Looking forward to break-up getting over and getting out more.
If any of you are flying up this summer, PM me for a stopover.