I'm about 90% sure I'll be putting a Rotax 912S in my Highlander, just wondering what considerations I should be making if I find a good deal on a used motor. There's a couple on eBay right now in the $10-11K range, no quite ready to jump on one yet, but I need to know the right questions to ask once I am.

At this point, I really don't know what I don't know, and not even sure where to start looking. Obviously the closer to "turn key" the better, but in order to figure out the actual $ value, I need to know what to look for. Also, it needs to be a good enough deal that it makes sense to not buy new...I'm fully aware of the "buyer beware" risk, as far as I'm concerned, if I can save 30-50% on a used motor with relative confidence of its reliability, it would be worth the risk to buy used.

I guess my questions would be:

What year was the stronger case introduced?

I can look up AD's, but is there any surprises to look for that may be ambiguous in the AD verbiage?

Not opposed to buying a well used/timed out engine, and sending it in for overhaul, where are the best shops for this, and what kind of $$$ am I looking at for this? provided a killer core deal of course...

Also thought about finding a beat up 80 hp, and putting the bully hawk turbo, and a fresh rebuild. What should I be looking for if I go this route??

Last but not least, anybody here have any good leads???

Thanks for any insight!!

Aaron

The guy that did my motor and that I trust with all things Rotax is Ronnie Smith at South Mississippi Light Aircraft. His work number is (601) 947-4953.

Steve
Wild West Aircraft

Aaron, in addition to Ronnie, give Jeremy McGregor a call at Nor-Cal Emergency Field services LLC. He is a head mech/tech at CPS (now owned by Spruce), but does his own work out of Tracy. Supposedly he is the only guy in CA that is actually factory certified to split a 912 case. He travels, is very reasonable and VERY experienced. Nice guy. Did my gear box service at my hangar. He might be able to give you some feedback as well as help you with maint/training.

If I were in your shoes, I would do the 912 80hp and turbo it. I think if you plan on flying Idaho, Tahoe/NV area, Utah, etc., maintaining fully power at altitude makes a big difference in light planes. Everyone I know with a 914 turbo on a highlander or Rans loves it. Fuel burn is a bit higher and more cooling needed, but those issues are pretty much worked out.

What Steve did is the ultimate in my opinion, but it won't be cheap. Need a later model 912S with the beefed up case. Ronnie knows.

I also know a guy out my way that has a 912S with 800hrs (1500tbo) that might sell it. Not sure - PM me and I'll give you details. Its a nice motor, new sprag clutch and runs like a top. Well cared for.

One last option which may be a bit more flushed out by the time you need a motor is the Viking. They have a highlander FWF, and it seems to be performing well in the dozen or so planes they are in. Its a honda Fit/racing motor core, all electronic ignition/ECU, liquid cooled, etc. 115hp, although they claim with a new manifold is getting even better. Thrust is supposed to exceed a 914. Its new, and may be a bit of a gamble, but Its like $13K with everything needed to fly.

Looks like he's got his own shop now:

http://jmaeroservice.com/

Thanks guys for the info!

Nice to know there is a local Rotax guy, that will probably come in handy.

After some more thought, I think the 912/bullyhawk turbo is the way I should go. I struggle with this because most of my flying is near sea level and the 100 hp would be plenty of engine, and also the easier/faster install. However, I know the first time I go play in the sierra's or up in Idaho, I'll be kicking myself for not bolting on the horsepower.

So how much additional fuel burn are we talking with the 912/turbo setup over the 912ULS??? Economy is still a concern, but more HP can go a long way towards the utility/fun factor of the plane.

decisions, decisions...