I intend to install an IO-550D in my 185. The engine is already in my possession. I may need to change the oil cooler, but other than that, I expect it to be compatible with any STC. I had settled on a Hartzell Scimitar propeller, but am reconsidering after reading the recent debate over the MT. I have the correct spinner for a Hartzell in my possession already.

I've spoken to Texas Skyways, Wipaire, and Davis. I'm trying to evaluate which is the best STC. Any opinions, or facts I might have missed in the website offerings? TIA.

We used Texas Skyways for the conversion but check out Air Plains out of Wellington, KS. I think they just do 180's but you never know. You are going to be very happy with the conversion and the performance is fantastic.

Your choice for props is spot on. They Buccaneer prop which Texas Skyways suggests is the way to go. It is the only prop I have flow behind single or twin when you start pulling the prop back for cruise you can feel the plane lunge forward. I just about fell over when it happened.



Just started full power cruise.

I'm thinking the same Pinecone, although I already have the MT attached to my io520 and it is STC'd for the io550 conversions. From what I understand I agree it is down to those three STC choices, although the Wipaire one calls for a replacement engine mount which the others don't - so for me it's between Davis and Texas Skyways. Watching this thread closely [emoji41]

Good to hear a positive report on the Hartzell. I have one on my T210 and it's awesome. The water erosion issue is what draws me to the MT. I'll be mostly on amphibs.

I noted the engine mount requirement in the Wipaire STC. I may go with a Seaplanes West mount, so that wouldn't be an issue. I have the Cessna three blade engine mount now. I recommend a bit more research on why Cessna beefed up the mount when the three blade option came out. Even if Davis and Texas Skyways don't require it for their STC, you may want it. I currently have the mount 0751007-16. It is likely for sale. There's one on eBay for $2500 USD right now. I'd beat that price if you want it.

Be careful at tx Skyways.
They're slick salesman shysters in my opinion. As long as you don't know much about what's going on, have no warranty issues, and have a deep pocket; then you'll probably be happy as a peach.
They'll sell you a mount that is to heavy and nickel and dime you to death.
They're mechanical skills are marginal.
They just take factory engines and slap em on. It's really quite boggling how lacking in knowledge they are about anything other than exactly what they sell. (Which is no rocket science)
Many horror stories of them standing behind they're work to. It's always inevitably somehow your fault or another issue.
I don't care much for that bucc prop they push either.
You can get that same breaking effect from a couple others if you like.
The short fat paddle hartz being one as well as the 3bld mt.
Just my .02 worth. Not trying to tell you your business at all. Hope your happy and have a great experience regardless the route you choose.

No doubt they know how to sell. Since my first inquiry they've been great with follow ups. I've regarded that as being really good business style, but I'll watch my back. One of the things that has always caused me to scratch my head is their preference for carbureted engines. They liked that simplicity. This comment is based on a face to face conversation at Airventure, years ago, with Mr. Johnson, regarding a C182.

I don't need much from them in the way of warranty or support, I just want a well thought out adaptation of the 550, and easy paperwork with few restrictions on other STCs such as floats, propellers, engine mounts, turbo, etc.

You won't go wrong in dealing with Wipaire. They are a Stan up bunch with a good product, good customer care and well thought out and engineered conversions.

I put 1500 or so hours on a 206 with their conversion, and it was a great setup.

MTV

55wagon wrote:Be careful at tx Skyways.
They're slick salesman shysters in my opinion. As long as you don't know much about what's going on, have no warranty issues, and have a deep pocket; then you'll probably be happy as a peach.
They'll sell you a mount that is to heavy and nickel and dime you to death.
They're mechanical skills are marginal.
They just take factory engines and slap em on. It's really quite boggling how lacking in knowledge they are about anything other than exactly what they sell. (Which is no rocket science)
Many horror stories of them standing behind they're work to. It's always inevitably somehow your fault or another issue.
I don't care much for that bucc prop they push either.
You can get that same breaking effect from a couple others if you like.
The short fat paddle hartz being one as well as the 3bld mt.
Just my .02 worth. Not trying to tell you your business at all. Hope your happy and have a great experience regardless the route you choose.

+1 Not a pleasant experience. Lots of problems, no back up.

Pinecone wrote: One of the things that has always caused me to scratch my head is their preference for carbureted engines. They liked that simplicity. This comment is based on a face to face conversation at Airventure, years ago, with Mr. Johnson, regarding a C182.

I don't know if is even possible, but if it is, and they recommend it, I would personally not put a carbureted engine on a 185.

it's my understanding that the Tx Skyways carbureted 550 is put on a 180, not a 185. The 185 going to a 550 stays injected.

I got a reman 470 and a rebuilt prop from them a few years ago, and for what it's worth it was a good experience. They had a fairly seasoned mechanic at the time that actually pointed out some non-engine related annual things that needed to be addressed. that plane had gone through several annuals in which the issues were not caught. But, mechanics change and move on.

No experience with them on the 520/550 deal other than looking at pricing. At the time it was so much more than what I could afford, or even a PPonk conversion was, it was a non-starter.

Which flavor of IO-550 is available with these STCs? Just curious.

Tim

Sent you a PM Pinecone.

behindpropellers wrote:Which flavor of IO-550 is available with these STCs? Just curious.

Tim

They are all IO-550D from what I understand

@Squash. Thanks. I'm sorry I wasn't clear. Not for the 185. I was comparing the Texas Skyways offering to Peterson at the time, and Jack Johnson was against fuel injection I general during the course of that discussion.

The MT 3-blade composite prop use negates the need for the seaplane mount because of the reduced mass and vibration of the MT prop. Flight Resource has done business selling our prop STC kits to all the Engine STC Holders referred to above with no problems or issues from any of them. IF you need to stay with a metal prop (for whatever reason), the 'Buccaneer' is the best 3B metal prop out there. It is the benchmark we use to design MT props that must outperform it to justify the expense of obtaining an STC.

Best regards,
John

What makes the buccaneer the best metal prop?

55wagon wrote:What makes the buccaneer the best metal prop?

Test results. On 185, 206, Bonanza planes, we have had the opportunity to compare the MT 2 and 3-blade 83" props to most every model of Mac or HC prop. The HC 'Buccaneer' is the strongest pulling metal prop of all of them. In other words, it is the one that comes the closest to outperforming the MT 83" 3-blade composite model on any version of -520 or -550 engine.
John

John -

Thanks for you input. A little thread digression on what I am going to ask.

This question may open up a can of worms but what are your thoughts on 2 blade vs 3 blade Mt on and o470u or o470u / TS?

It's my dream to have a 185 with an IO-550 in it. Let us know how it turns out!

It's coming together. I'm leaning toward the MT and the Pponk STC right now. Leaving for Kamloops tomorrow to pick up the engine at Pro-Aero.