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Let me add to what Paul has reported on. As some of you know I have been a skeptic about running lean of peak ("LOP") for the average pilot, believing that it is better suited for the technically savvy pilot with an engine analyzer and the willingness to pay exhaustive attention to engine parameters in flight. Nevertheless, I was very impressed with GAMI's presentations. Basically, the engineering data supports GAMI's contention, not only that you can substantially reduce fuel consumption, but that the engine operating parameters (e.g., exhaust valve temp) at LOP are more benign and should result in longer-lasting engines. I was also very impressed with the ignition system being developed to allow lead-free, lower octane fuel to be used in our engines.
In the weeks ahead I hope to get a hold of some of the data presented and chew on it some more. Meantime, I still feel that the average pilot, particularly one with an engine under warranty, is better served by operating per the aircraft POH (i.e., 75-100 degrees rich of lean). But I will report further on this subject if circumstances change.
Ernie
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