Company Puts Out a Firewall Forward Kit to Replace the Standard Lycoming

Lockwood Aviation has officially decided that Lycoming doesn't get to have all the fun anymore, launching a complete firewall-forward package to drop a Rotax 916iS into a Van’s RV-9A. The package is turnkey and includes everything you need to make the swap without resorting to custom fabrication or guesswork.

The kit includes the 160-hp (for five glorious minutes) Rotax 916iS with a 2,000-hour warranty, a custom engine mount to fit the stock RV-9 firewall, and a hydraulic MT 3-blade constant-speed prop. It also comes with a hydraulic governor, intercooler, oil cooler, all the necessary hoses, baffling, and a custom cowling (which, frankly, looks more engineered than some entire airframes). The install is tidy and leaves plenty of room up front for more baggage.

Performance numbers are solid. At 19,000 feet density altitude, expect 190 knots true airspeed at 8.5 gallons per hour. Even at lower altitudes, it holds up well—170 KTAS at 8,500 feet on 8.7 gph, or 160 KTAS at 3,000 feet. Economy cruise settings deliver 150 knots at 4.5 gph at 19,000 feet. Cruise climb at 120 KIAS produces more than 800 fpm while still staying in the 8.5–8.8 gph range.

The advantages over a typical Lycoming install are painfully obvious. The Rotax power plant is lighter, burns less fuel, and delivers better high-altitude performance thanks to the turbo. Automatic mixture control and lean-of-peak operation make engine management a non-issue. The more favorable CG allows full use of the baggage compartment without creative loading.

Van’s Aircraft isn’t offering this package itself, but seems fine to sell customers an RV-9A kit without the firewall-forward portion. Lockwood’s work is no longer just a dream; it’s a thoroughly engineered, extensively flight-tested, and high-quality project that makes fuel-efficient, high-altitude cruising with the RV-9A a reality.

FMI: www.rv916.com