Jan,

Has anyone put the 174 HP Viking Engine on the CH-640?

I'm considering building the CH-640.

Thanks Jan!

Thanks for the vote of confidence.  Of course I haven't even seen my kit yet.  I pick it up on 01/19.   It will be like Christmas all over again ...

Only 3 areas of the 701 build give me any great concern only because I have little experience.  I've done wood & fabric A/C before.  I had a Fly Baby with 65 Franklin just about ready for cover when Hurricane Katrina took it (and just about everything I owned).  We never even found any pieces.  As I my condo was just across from the N.O. Yacht Club, we figure the Fly baby is somewhere in the middle of Lake Pontchatrain.  I did manage to complete a 28 Hp Hirth powered MiniMAX 1103 in 2009.

I'd never done any sheet metal work so I took the EAA SportAir workshop and followed by the rudder-build workshop at the Zenith Factory.  I then placed my order for the 701.

I'm a retired Industrial Engr. Prof. (shopfloor automation), but the wing-root compound curves look tough and the cabin area (doors & glass) as well.  I ordered the folding-wing option and so far the plans seem sketchy at best in that area. 

Finally, my comment as to the Viking install.  I'm more than sold on the engine (deposit to get in the build queue will be sent later this month).  I don't believe the installation itself should be a problem, I'm just not an electricals guy and the panel itself is a bit worrysome, but I'm sure I'll work it out.  I do see that I have the installation services to fall back on.