engine conversions led to cool write-up

[rrolland]

During my search for a P337, I looked at a couple of conversions. Both were Super Rockets with the IO 520.

What I found is that the useful load was down substantially. On one of them, the useful was 1090lbs. So with full fuel (148 usg), there was not enough payload left for the pilot, unless the pilot was very slim...

My guess is that the weight of the bigger engines plus all the extra equipment such as AC and soundproofing are away at the standard useful load.

These aircraft would do better with a gross weight increase but that brings its own set of issues such as greater wingspan, possible AD inspections not to mention weight and balance management. The max landing weight remains the same.

In the end I found the stock P337 to be a better overall balance of performance and capabilities.

[rmorris]

Herb- yep, just thought there might be some folks who had not read it...I was focused on the engine conversion portion, but overall it is a great write-up on Skymasters in general
When you bought your remfg TSIO-360 engine from TCM, what did it come with (ie what did you pull from your old engine and have to get overhauled, so all was as new)? eg. fuel system, turbo, mags, oil filter, etc?

both - good replies, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[hharney]

Let me see if I can get this right by memory.......I had the hydraulic pump overhauled and the governor, had to use my vac pump, exhaust, air filter, scat tubes, hmmmm I'm thinking that there is something else maybe but the remans come with just about everything installed and ready to go. I have about 150 hours on it now since June last year and it's doing great. I did have some oil seep from the exhaust rocker covers and Continental sent me some new ones. Just put them on so I will see if that's resolved but that's it so far.

I can quote some numbers or just call Continental they are really good to talk to