Hi all,
Analysis paralysis underway here, so if you smell smoke, it's just me. Higher time engine, no issues 0-470U past TBO. (yes, run it until it tells you its time - is an option). Stockpiling dollars now.
There doesn't seem to be many debates on the manufacturer, but the nickel carbide seems gets the nod for sporadic use airplanes, which might be a good fit for my usage.
Never been in a position to overhaul an engine before so this decisions process is new to me, and will likely happen in the next year or two. while I still have income before retirement..
So, for those of you familiar and comfortable with this sort of thing, please share your thoughts.

If you haven't read these books you should. I have them in my shop.

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also recommend borescoping everytime you pull the sparkplugs
take photos to compare for next time

Superior for any Continental engines has been my go to for Years.

After trying everything else they has been the best Cylinders for us, usually they go TBO on our 520s

I can't offer a specific recommendation, but if anyone here has ties to a commercial operator I would definitely listen to their advice. Most part 91 aviators aren't going to change enough cylinders to really notice a difference. That said, I had a great experience with Lycon on rebuilding the O-470 in my 182. Talking to them and a few of the bigger engine shops could be a good source of intel.

Sal's Aircraft Cylinders in Prosper TX (Dallas) will steer you in the right direction. I needed cylinders a couple of years ago and they were recommended by a couple of friends. I concur... they were great to work with. FWIW they recommended Superior cylinders for my 520.

You may not have much of a choice, depending on timing. For example, Superior is in stock at Spruce, but TCM is not. You probably aren't going to buy cylinders proactively to sit on the shelf, so it may be luck of the draw. You may also consider how long you are sitting, what climate you are in, and what oil you are using. On our 205, we have steel cylinders, live in a very arid environment, and use Aeroshell 80 or 100 with camguard. The thicker oils (supposedly) stay stuck onto internal parts longer, and fight corrosion. We usually fly weekly or better in the summer, and at least a couple times a month in the winter.

Cam guard is mostly a corrosion inhibitor a good idea for everyone but especially for sporadic use where the plane sits a lot.

I'll be facing the same decision in a couple of years, too, as I have the eci cylinder AD. Doesn't Superior have a couple different lines of cylinders? Pro/con? Thanks

I guess the question I'd ask is this: Do you plan to overhaul the engine yourself, or by a local mechanic?

If not, whoever in fact does the overhaul will doubtless offer their recommendation. And, as has been said, EVERYthing aviation parts these days seems to come and go, availability-wise. You may simply opt for what's available at the time.

MTV

MooseMeat wrote:.... Higher time engine, no issues 0-470U past TBO. .....

Besides which make/model cylinders to get, there are some other options to ponder.
Are you planning to OH your engine to stock 470U configuration?
Even if you're not interested in bumping the displacement up to a 520,
Texas Skyways has an option I'd sure be looking at-- their 470U/TS.

https://www.txskyways.com/all-products#engines-anchor

Basically involves turning the rpm up to 2600-ish max, for 250ish horsepower.
Pretty similar to the Norland conversion of the IO-470 to a carburetor.