Engine upgrade companies??

[dabjet]

ANyone have any good experiences with Engine Upgrade companies and do you recommend any. I am looking to enhance a 1990 Piper Navaho-or Chieftain's engine somehow. I am in Florida but I can go anywhere in US to have it done.

[zachdrew]

I have experience maintaining aircraft that had their engines overhauled by Victor Engines in Palo Alto,CA. and Teledyne Mattituck in Mattituck, NY. Both of these company's offer upper end overhauls (Victor=Black edition and Mattituck=Red Gold edition). You would have to call with all the latest details but generally these overhauls offered better warranty, more new parts, tighter balance tolerances, more power, etc. In my experience these engines are much smoother running than even a factory overhaul or remanufacture. You will pay a premium price.

If you are looking for upgrades in safety, reliability or longer life consider the following,
If you have a pre model 'M' engine driven fuel pump install the newer style.
If the engines are being overhauled convert it from a TIO-540-J2BD to a TIO-540-J2B (two seperate mags compared to a dual mag).
Install teflon fluid carrying hoses in the engine compartment
Install graphic engine monitor
Replace all flexible baffling (if in poor condition) with new Brown's material (per the AD=T8071 material)
Replace alternators with high powered National Airparts Units (Deland, FL.)
Install cooling shrouds on vacuum pumps
Install an onboard pre-heater

Steve

'

[bluesideup]

I have a friend who had a very bad experience with a Victor engine shortly after overhaul. Becarefull, expensive ads are unfortunately not to be confused with good work and integrity.