A month ago I pulled the trigger on the Stoots io-370 conversion for my '56 172. I haven't heard anything from Dave since I placed the order but he claims he has others on order as well. I am wondering if any others here know of anyone that is headed down that path on either a 170 or early model 172?

That should wake up the old girl. Looking forward to hearing how it works for you.

Yes, definitely keep up posted. I know of another person who is contemplating the upgrade.

I will do that! The density altitude on the field hits 10,000 all summer so I am anxious to see how it performs.

That would really wake it up, but in a practical sense, is it economically even remotely feasible? My guess is you could buy a decent flying early model 182 with the upgrade cost alone and still have your 172......

I thought of such things when I had my 172 and glad I didn't go forward with it. I much prefer the 182 platform and an old 172 only has so much resale value - no matter what engine is in it.

Now that I took a closer look into the Stoots kit, you probably could buy a very nice early 182, not just a decent one.....

I'm glad you like your 182. I will answer your question with a question. Should the words "economically feasible" ever be used when referring to old junk aircraft? I doubt that anyone ever upgraded a 172 with any of the previously available conversions planning on reselling it and making money, let alone this new conversion of Stoots. The ol girl has been around long enough there isn't any reason to send her down the road so I reckon I will just have to use the 206 when the poor old 172 won't cut the mustard.

Quartztop wrote:A month ago I pulled the trigger on the Stoots io-370 conversion for my '56 172. I haven't heard anything from Dave since I placed the order but he claims he has others on order as well. I am wondering if any others here know of anyone that is headed down that path on either a 170 or early model 172?

How much money up front did you give him when you placed the order?

Mark Y. wrote:That would really wake it up, but in a practical sense, is it economically even remotely feasible? My guess is you could buy a decent flying early model 182 with the upgrade cost alone and still have your 172......

I thought of such things when I had my 172 and glad I didn't go forward with it. I much prefer the 182 platform and an old 172 only has so much resale value - no matter what engine is in it.

Now that I took a closer look into the Stoots kit, you probably could buy a very nice early 182, not just a decent one.....

Good attitude!! There is a lot to be said for "improving" the airplane you have, as opposed to buying a different set of "issues" as well.

Keep us posted. As a warning, don't ever call Dave unless you have some free time.....

MTV

Quartztop wrote:I'm glad you like your 182. I will answer your question with a question. Should the words "economically feasible" ever be used when referring to old junk aircraft? I doubt that anyone ever upgraded a 172 with any of the previously available conversions planning on reselling it and making money, let alone this new conversion of Stoots. The ol girl has been around long enough there isn't any reason to send her down the road so I reckon I will just have to use the 206 when the poor old 172 won't cut the mustard.

That's great if your doing it for yourself and nothing more. Maybe the old girl has sentimental value. That's great. Many (most) of us do put too much money into our aircraft, but for the most part there is still somewhat of an "investment" sense that one day we or our families will end up selling them and hopefully not for a huge financial loss. Most 180hp conversions being done currently are on M series and newer 172's, as I would imagine because there is a flight school market that drives the value if they are to be sold one day. Personally I could not fathom putting $50k plus into just a powerplant for an old 172, sentimental or not. But hey, good luck, and sorry for the thread drift.....

Good attitude!! There is a lot to be said for "improving" the airplane you have, as opposed to buying a different set of "issues" as well.

Keep us posted. As a warning, don't ever call Dave unless you have some free time.....


Mr. Stoots has definitely been more than helpful with information. He seems to be pretty passionate about his product.

I've talked to Stoots a couple times in person and on the phone. He called randomly one night just to talk shop. I keep hoping to have an excuse to put one of those IO-370's in something, but I haven't found one yet. Let us know how it goes!

Stoots kept delaying the delivery date and could never provide paperwork showing a reason, or that the engine or propeller were even ordered. He blamed it all the c19 and sent my deposit back. Soooooo no io-370 for me!

That sucks, sorry man. What's your next move?

Facing a prolonged bureaucratic delay developing with an unforeseeable end I'd say he did the honorable thing, others many not have been so "giving".

Sorry to hear that.
That's about as far as i got with his tailwheel STC. I found another solution finally, but it was frustrating. I enjoyed talking with Dave, but he did come off scattered at times.
Chris