Steve,

My dad overhualed our O-200 about 7 years ago and did it for around $5000 ~
$6000 it ran better than other 150's I've flown that were overhauled by
certified shops. I wouldn't let an A&P or IA work on my car let alone my
airplane. Fortunatley we knew an IA who my dad would somtimes do work for
so he oversaw the rebuild and signed it off.

Also, when we bought the 150 it had about 500hr's left on the engine and it
took a few years to fly off that much time and we both flew the plane
regularly. I problaby flew it 1 to 1.5 hrs per week myself. Believe me a
few hundred hours goes a long way when only one or two people use it, unless
your rich and don't have to work.

Stan K.

"Steve Ruse" wrote in message
m...
I am considering buying an O-200 powered Vari EZ in a couple of
months. I like everything about this specific plane, except the
engine. It has about 1400hrs on it, so only 400hrs left to TBO. I know
I don't have to overhaul it, but I wouldn't be comfortable going
400hrs past TBO, so an overhaul would have to happen in the next few
years. Am I just stuck paying $8K-$10K for an overhaul? I don't mind
doing the work myself with an A & P looking over my shoulder...still,
just the cost for parts would be significant. Is there any way to save
money on an O-200 overhaul and still get a safe, non-certified engine?
From what I've seen I'll be looking at $5,000 just for parts, IF the
crank and block are fine. Is that accurate?

So I'm wondering if I should just skip this plane and spend the extra
money to get a Long EZ with a lower time engine. The problem is I
really like this Vari EZ...it has several features that I like
(autopilot, GPS, etc.) and I have plenty of faith in the structure and
workmanship. On the other hand, with a Long EZ, I'll probably get some
extra useable load, and MUCH greater range (6+hrs instead of 3+hrs).

Any suggestions or input will be appreciated!