I have built two zenith kits in the past. My first one a ch701 was built in1991-1992. It originally was powered by a rotax 582 for about 300 hours. The 582 was replaced with a rotax 914 to give superb performance in the mountains where I live. I have put 1200 hours on the 914 now and I have nothing but good to say about the 701/914 combination. The airframe at 1500 hours is in excellent shape.

My second zenith is a ch801. It is completed and has been flying for about 125 hours now. It is powered with a GM LS2 engine. I wanted to take on the challenge of an automotive conversion. The PSRU is a chain drive type and thus far seems to be doing well. An elastomeric torsional vibration dampener mounted on the flywheel is being used. All flight testing to date has been limited to 240hp. Based on results thus far, I will probably have no need to use higher hp because performance at mountain altitudes is very adequate. I am well pleased with the 801 so far.