New Engine and Upgrade to 2700/310Hp Ovation 2

[PMcClure]

A little update and info for everyone. We just finally completed the installation of new engine and upgrade to 310HP. The process took nearly 12 months from decision to 1st flight with about 2.5 months downtime. We took the opportunity to replace everything including prop overhaul, new hoses, new exhaust, new clamps, etc.... Total cost was just shy of 6 figures ( I already had the prop) including an annual. All work was done at Gilmer Aviation in Pell City. Results were exciting - take off roll and initial climb out are excellent and top speed was 187 True (max power). A few things if anyone else is considering this:

1. Shop around for the STC. Prices range +/- $1000. We bought ours from JD @ Southwest Texas Aviation. He was excellent to work with. 

2. We had a terrible time working with TCM and Air Power through the initial order process. It took months of calls and follow-ups to get the right quote. The people at Air Power were very knowledgeable and I feel the real issues were with TCM. However, 10 calls and no return is a problem.  Once we wired the money to Airpower, we didn't hear from them again for 6 months until the engine shipped. After it shipped, they were very responsive and the core return was handled well. 

We replaced our G series engine with a IO550-N39. It was made new, but the factory would only sell it as reman. Part of the issue was that our aircraft has air conditioning and no one could figure out what exact engine would work as the G series we needed was discontinued.  I believe for non air conditioning engines, the N8 is the best option. The N series has a tapered fin design so we had to modify the baffle plates (which is in the STC). 

3. Steve Leary @stevenl757 and Bob Minnis were great help. Also had a couple conversations with Don Maxwell who was very knowledgeable about this process. Thank you to everyone that helped. 

4.  Acorn Welding for new exhaust was a disaster. They don't return emails, phone calls go unanswered and the parts they shipped didn't fit (not even close). We have sent everything back and it seems they will make it right. We had to install the old exhaust while we wait for them to get it right. Disappointing....

5.  I highly recommend Ricky Gilmer Aviation at KPLR. His new team member (Hugh) did all of the install work and it was outstanding! Hugh went above and beyond. I really can't say enough about how good their work is. Both Ricky and Hugh came from Epps and I feel fortunate to have them on our home field. 

6. Was it worth it?   As we plan on keeping this plane for a while, I obviously thought it was worth it. With upgraded avionics (G3x, GTN750, GFC500, etc.,, recent paint correction and ceramic coating, new 310 engine, I think 1051K is better than new and at less than 1/3 the cost. Comparing to anything else we could buy its the best value and performance available for our mission.  Not sure I would go through the expense of just doing the STC to gain the extra 30hp. But if I was rebuilding or replacing the engine and prop, then sure I think it is worth it as an add on to that process.

Pictures to follow - if anyone has any questions or is considering making this change, feel free to ask me any questions. 

 

Edited September 27, 2024 by PMcClure

[Brandt]

18 minutes ago, PMcClure said:

A little update and info for everyone. We just finally completed the installation of new engine and upgrade to 310HP. The process took nearly 12 months from decision to 1st flight with about 2.5 months downtime. We took the opportunity to replace everything including prop overhaul, new hoses, new exhaust, new clamps, etc.... Total cost was just shy of 6 figures ( I already had the prop) including an annual. All work was done at Gilmer Aviation in Pell City. Results were exciting - take off roll and initial climb out are excellent and top speed was 187 True (max power). A few things if anyone else is considering this:

1. Shop around for the STC. Prices range +/- $1000. We bought ours from JD @ Southwest Texas Aviation. He was excellent to work with. 

2. We had a terrible time working with TCM and Air Power through the initial order process. It took months of calls and follow-ups to get the right quote. The people at Air Power were very knowledgeable and I feel the real issues were with TCM. However, 10 calls and no return is a problem.  Once we wired the money to Airpower, we didn't hear from them again for 6 months until the engine shipped. After it shipped, they were very responsive and the core return was handled well. 

We replaced our G series engine with a IO550-N39. It was made new, but the factory would only sell it as reman. Part of the issue was that our aircraft has air conditioning and no one could figure out what exact engine would work as the G series we needed was discontinued.  I believe for non air conditioning engines, the N8 is the best option. The N series has a tapered fin design so we had to modify the baffle plates (which is in the STC). 

3. Steve Leary @stevenl757 and Bob Minnis were great help. Also had a couple conversations with Don Maxwell who was very knowledgeable about this process. Thank you to everyone that helped. 

4.  Acorn Welding for new exhaust was a disaster. They don't return emails, phone calls go unanswered and the parts they shipped didn't fit (not even close). We have sent everything back and it seems they will make it right. We had to install the old exhaust while we wait for them to get it right. Disappointing....

5.  I highly recommend Ricky Gilmer Aviation at KPLR. His new team member (Hugh) did all of the install work and it was outstanding! Hugh went above and beyond. I really can't say enough about how good their work is. Both Ricky and Hugh came from Epps and I feel fortunate to have them on our home field. 

6. Was it worth it?   As we plan on keeping this plane for a while, I obviously thought it was worth it. With upgraded avionics (G3x, GTN750, GFC500, etc.,, recent paint correction and ceramic coating, new 310 engine, I think 1051K is better than new and at less than 1/3 the cost. Comparing to anything else we could buy its the best value and performance available for our mission.  Not sure I would go through the expense of just doing the STC to gain the extra 30hp. But if I was rebuilding or replacing the engine and prop, then sure I think it is worth it as an add on to that process.

Pictures to follow - if anyone has any questions or is considering making this change, feel free to ask me any questions. 

 

Great recap.  I concur about TCM. A poorly run business.