overhaul suggestions and shop recomendation

[bmcconnaha]

looking at overhauling my IO-360-a3b6D or upgrading.  wanted opinions on both best course of action, and shops.  i have proposed a couple ways id like to proceed. 

1) upgrade to the IO390.  this is top choice.  Mainly because the prop purchase isn't that big of a deal.  i would overhaul my prop anyways at major OH, so the price delta isn't THAT big.  The main benefits of this route is roller engine, and dual mags.  i hear lots of no performance gain this way, but both the cirrus guys (new sr20s have the IO390 instead of the conti IO360), and the Glastar guys say there are considerable gains.  my main concerns on this route.  Very limited data on this in the field from what i can find.  I would love to see someones engine data from something like a JPI so i could see a few flights such as what the CHTs and fuel flow looks like.  also would like to see some climb performance info.  other concerns are engine longevity, and cylinder costs.  would need pointers on a shop to complete this upgrade.  G&N basically said they haven't done one in years, but would email me info.  That was 10 days ago, and haven't heard from them again.  not exactly confidence inspiring.

2) overhaul exchange of my d model engine to one with split mags.  i like this option because i like the redundancy AND i want electronic ignition.  I would like to go to shop that has done the swap before a few times.  if you have gone this route via a shop you liked or didnt like i would like to hear opinions.

3) just a simple overhaul of my D model.  looking for opinions on shops.  so far a have a quote from lycon (top choice, but will take some time.  can do an OH exchange), premier engines in troutdale (wont do an exchange, just wants to OH mine, will take up 16 weeks.  too long), and firewall forward.  after talking to FF, i really liked the guy, but a search on here revealed some horror stories.  place im buying the place from, all American, recommended Jewell.  i hadn't heard of them. experiences would be helpful here.  I am pretty particular on my engine, so a well balanced engine with minimal vibration defiantly appeals to me, lycon seems to be the go to for that type of build (port, polish and balance)

Let me know your thoughts.  TIA!

[MB65E]

If I was even close to the thought of spending money on an exchanged core or new IO390, I would get a quote from Ken Tunnel at Lycon. Tell him what you want. I’m sure he can convert it to a dual mag. I would have him overhaul it. .010 Over on the cylinders. DCL lifters, new dowled case (if it’s not already), machined case for their o-ring. I have had great luck with the 4 or 5 of my overhauls I have sent him. 

-Matt

[bmcconnaha]

5 minutes ago, MB65E said:

If I was even close to the thought of spending money on an exchanged core or new IO390, I would get a quote from Ken Tunnel at Lycon. Tell him what you want. I’m sure he can convert it to a dual mag. I would have him overhaul it. .010 Over on the cylinders. DCL lifters, new dowled case (if it’s not already), machined case for their o-ring. I have had great luck with the 4 or 5 of my overhauls I have sent him. 

-Matt

ill call them again. the echelon STC has to be acomplished by a lyc service center, which maybe they are.  they didnt seem too excited about taking my D core on an IO390.  I was kind of leaning their direction on on a two mag (a3b6) overhaul, just not sure who i would have install it.  was looking for someone who had done it before. 

[jetdriven]

Price a factory overhaul too. You get the roller lifters with this.  

[OR75]

4 hours ago, bmcconnaha said:

ill call them again. the echelon STC has to be acomplished by a lyc service center, which maybe they are.  they didnt seem too excited about taking my D core on an IO390.  I was kind of leaning their direction on on a two mag (a3b6) overhaul, just not sure who i would have install it.  was looking for someone who had done it before. 

Not the case anymore. You can get an IO390 and use the IO360 as a core 

going from IO360A3B6D to an IO390A3A6 is exactly the same as going from an IO360A3B6D to an IO360A3B6. (Read ....you will need a few brackets for the governor and reset the governor)

you can also have electronic ignition . 

the weight is the about the same , the cost is about the same  

the difference is the need for the Hartzel prop and those brackets 
 

 

[Bob - S50]

Check with Western Skyways.  Never done anything with them but I hear nothing but good stuff on Beechtalk.

[Mooney217RN]

A few years ago I had to swap out my IO-360 in my E Model.  I went Factory reman.  No regrets. Upgraded to an IO-360 A3B6 with roller tapets.  The cost to go zero time factory reman was negligible compared to an overhaul.

[carusoam]

7RN,

What kept you from going IO390?

Best regards,

-a-

[OR75]

16 hours ago, carusoam said:

7RN,

What kept you from going IO390?

Best regards,

-a-

I don’t think the IO-390 is STCd for the E model

and I don’t think it is an IO360-A3B6 in an E model either 

[mhrivnak]

On 7/30/2020 at 5:59 PM, bmcconnaha said:

 

1) upgrade to the IO390.

...

I would love to see someones engine data from something like a JPI so i could see a few flights such as what the CHTs and fuel flow looks like.  also would like to see some climb performance info. 

@bmcconnaha did you ever find any data or detailed pireps? Just thinking ahead here, it would be interesting to know how the io-390 compares with operating temps, fuel burn, running LOP, ...

[bmcconnaha]

1 hour ago, mhrivnak said:

@bmcconnaha did you ever find any data or detailed pireps? Just thinking ahead here, it would be interesting to know how the io-390 compares with operating temps, fuel burn, running LOP, ...

Michael, 

the 390 is just about installed.  I’ll let you know.  PS, thanks for the tip on the strobes.  They are all synced up.  Added the Nav wire to the tail as well.