Engine Options for the CH 640
|
|
CHRIS HEINTZ ON AIRCRAFT ENGINES:
My experience tells me that I need 60 to 100 hp for a two-seat aircraft, or 150 to 200 hp for a four-seater capable of carrying 1,000 lbs. As an airplane designer and builder (and not an engine manufacturer), I design aircraft around existing and readily-available engines. For maximum flexibility and to keep costs low, an aircraft must be designed to accommodate different engine types so that owners can choose among existing (and new) powerplants".
The standard recommended engine for the Zodiac CH 640 is the four-cylinder direct drive, horizontally-opposed Lycoming O-360 engine, rated at 180 hp at 2,800 RPM. It is equipped with a starter, a 70 amp 12 volt alternator, shielded ignition harness, two magnetos, and a fuel pump. The engine has a TBO of 2,000 hours.
.
.
|
Overpowering an existing aircraft is the easiest way to achieve higher performance (with enough power anything will fly faster!), but this requires a lot of fuel for acceptable endurance, and is an expensive, heavy, and inefficient way to obtain good cruise performances; it also does not provide good slow flight characteristics or payload due to the heavier engine-weight and fuel load requirement.
|
 |
 |
While all aircraft are designed within certain power and engine weight guidelines, Chris Heintz does not design his aircraft "around" a particular engine - to maximize customers' choice of powerplant. Recommended power for the Zodiac CH 640 is 150 to 220 horsepower, up to 400 lbs. installed weight. |
Over the past 65 years, Lycoming has produced more than 260,000 piston aircraft engines. With a reputation for performance and reliability, Lycoming piston engines power more than 85% of the new general aviation aircraft produced worldwide.
 |
O-360 Engine Series:
|
|
Firewall Forward Packages (FWF) from Zenair
Zenair now offers a number of FWF Packages that are adapted for the CH 640, for Lycoming O-360 as well as a few other engine choices. Click HERE for details.
|
|
|
NEW ENGINES FROM AERO SPORT POWER |
 |
Over the last few years, numerous STOL CH 801 owners have installed an engine from Aero Sport Power and have been very satisfied with their choice: The engines are powerful (IO 375 = 205 HP) and can be operated on auto fuel. Customer support from the manufacturer has also been excellent - an important factor!
|
All New Aero Sport Power Engines Include the Following:
|
  |
Click on engine pictures to visit engine manufacturer websites
 Lycoming |
|
Regarding alternative engines for the Zenair CH 640, designer Chris Heintz has stated:
|
Most custom engine installations require a lot of work and often "troubleshooting" to properly install, and may not provide the expected performance and reliability. Zenair stocks engine mounts and accessories for some other engine types but does not provide support for such installations.
The above resources are provided for informational purposes only. Alternative engines will affect performance, specifications and flight characteristics of the aircraft. Also, the weight and balance of the aircraft may be adversely affected by alternative engines, and the original fuel system may not be adequate or suitable for some engines. Most alternative engines will require a custom engine mount and engine cowl. Zenair does not manufacture or directly support engines nor their installation.
More Info:
The above resources are provided for informational purposes only. Alternative engines will affect performance, specifications and flight characteristics of the aircraft. Also, the weight and balance of the aircraft may be adversely affected by alternative engines, and the original fuel system may not be adequate or suitable for some engines. Most alternative engines will require a custom engine mount and engine cowl. Zenair does not manufacture or directly support engines nor their installation.
More Info:
- Click here for more details on Firewall Forward Packages (FWF) available from Zenair.
