GO-480 series engines are installed on a number of different aircraft types.[1] Their main competitive engines are the Continental IO-520 and IO-550 series.
Variants
All engines have an additional prefix preceding the 480 to indicate the specific configuration of the engine. Although the series is known as the "O-480", there are only geared engines in the series.[2][3] There are also numerous engine suffixes, denoting different accessories such as different manufacturers' carburetors, or different
magnetos.
GO-480
Normally aspirated Opposed engine, equipped with a carburetor and Gearbox at the front end of the crankshaft to drive the propeller at a lower RPM than the engine.[1]
GSO-480
Supercharger driven by the engine, gearbox to drive propeller, and equipped with a carburetor. Designated the O-480-1 by the US military.[1]
IGSO-480
Supercharger driven by the engine, gearbox to drive propeller, with fuel Injection. Designated the O-480-3 by the US military.[1]
IGO-480
Gearbox to drive propeller, normally aspirated with fuel injection.[1]