We are selling out U206F and have bought a rare thing, a 1986 TU206G. The engine is out of it at the moment, as the TSIO-520-M7B ingested the number 3 exhaust valve. So I have that engine stripped and in pieces. I could have it overhauled but it will be expensive.

We don't need a Turbo. Flights for us are sea level to 4000ft, grass strip to grass strip. We need performance, ease of maintenance, engine longevity. We have a spare IO-520-F core on hand and the McCauley D3A34C402B-90DFA-10 prop has been overhauled ready to fit.

I know everyone will say IO-550 but we already have two 520's on hand and the only thing that seems to make sense is the Vitatoe IO-520-F-CF engine. I have spoken to Larry Vitatoe and he tells me "We have several of these flying, primarily in Alaska. TBO is 2200 hours and it combines good features from the sand cast 520’s and the later cylinder and induction systems from the later permold engines. The engines run very cool and produce slightly more power than the originals. Also the TBO is longer. The cylinders can also be easily operated lean of peak because of the tuned induction system delivering equal flow to each cylinder"

So we are looking at about $40k for the mod to bolt on to an overhauled 520 bottom end. It is going to be a $60k engine easily but it will work with our prop. Is anyone else running one of these motors?

Cheers,

William

If you are concerned about the prop working with the engine, the 402 is STC'd to go on the 550 as well. For 60k I'd be buying a 550 and selling my 2 520s. Lots of market for good 520s out there. I've looked hard at doing the Vitatoe conversion on my 206, but in the end it's not much more to just get a 550.

We've got the Vitatoe 550, 2nd run on a part 135 floatplane.

Its been good for us, Converted a TSIO-520M into this with two STC's, One to convert the 520 to 550, one to convert the 550 to a Vitatatoe IO-550-F-CF

Limited experience, but a guy with a way nicer 185 with a 520 went for a ride in mine with a 550 and before we even broke the water his only words were “shit, this thing goes like hell”. He had amphib wips and i have straight 3430 edos for whatever thats worth.

He had landed his 30 min before we took off in mine so same exact conditions

Sorry I can’t help with answering your question. I run a 550 so I’m biased in a big way, but I think you’re probably smart for removing the turbo. If you’re not operating at altitudes higher than 4000’ i don’t see the point of having it.

Is the U206F referenced for sale? Please forward more information.

sriracha wrote:We've got the Vitatoe 550, 2nd run on a part 135 floatplane.

Its been good for us, Converted a TSIO-520M into this with two STC's, One to convert the 520 to 550, one to convert the 550 to a Vitatatoe IO-550-F-CF

Hi - would you be able to tell me what STC was needed for the 520 - 550 part?