The finishing kit has arrived. On top of that, I’ve selected an engine and received my fuel system components. For a while, these elements will jump ahead of the panel and avionics.

First up: The engine choice…

I’ve gone with a Titan Experimental from Continental Engines. An IOX-370, low-compression with Airflow Performance fuel injection and constant speed crank.

Why?

I had to ask myself this over and over. How did I wind up with a Titan when prior I felt it wasn’t the best fit?

Cost, delivery time, features/benefits, and power. While not a clear winner in all categories, it consistently ranked among the highest, and certainly the highest overall.

Cost: Not the cheapest engine (that goes to Lycoming through Van’s–more on that), but very competitively priced. After receiving quote after quote of rebuilds and remans that were consistently $10k or more higher than the Titan, I felt the cool $5k increase over the Lyc was now in the realm of reasonable.

Turn Time: While still a wait (I’m working with the team, but somewhere between 12 and 18 months is likely), it’s nowhere near the 24+ I was quoted from Lycoming. Other options were consistently in the 12 month range, but had other less-desirable aspects (see above).

Features/Benefits: I found I was getting a load of features left absent or listed as upgrade on many other quotes: roller lifters, polished/chrome covers, custom paint, run-in/break-in. This is in addition to the requirements needed to fit my plane/cowl/mount. Dynafocal type 1, horizontal sump induction, Airflow Performance injection, etc.

There are some drawbacks. I’ll need to custom fab the baffling. I’ll also need to source most of my finishing kit on my own. However, I’m certain these are things I can handle.

Now, for the images:

And now for the rest of the parts…