I use about quart of oil every 15 - 20 hours. My highest CHT during cruise is about 330. My highest CHT on climb is less than 380 dF. I have over 1000 hours SMOH on my 550 with GAMI injectors, without any cylinder problems. I have a neighbor who has a 550 in his A36 which came from the factory with balanced injectors, so his engine runs lean of peak very nicely. IF not, then have some GAMI injectors installed. When you are flying the Bonanza with your new engine, confirm that the EGT are all balanced. Many are factory limited to 26.6 GPH which shortens engine cylinder life. Ignoring alarms is not a good habit to develop.Īfter the installation, I would confirm that the fuel flow is at least 29 - 30 GPH while developing take off power. Alarms go off at maximum RPM or fuel flow rather than when the RPM or Fuel flow is above maximum numbers.
I am not a fan of the fully digital replacement for all of the engine instruments. I would also want a good EGT/CHT device such as the Insight or the JPI or the ET units. Which ever prop you get, I would insist on balancing the prop after installation. On the A36, you might want a composite prop such as the MT or the Hartzell Composite, which will cost you even more. You will need a three blade prop (about $15000 extra) if you do not have one. Most upgrades to the 550B with the STC and the improved baffle kit from D'Shannon (an excellent baffle kit, by the way) and the the engine (overhauled) are going cost you in the neighborhood of $55,000.
#Atlantic aero 550 conversion cost upgrade
My upgrade cost me about $5000 (it is a long story). Then about 13 years ago, I upgraded to the IO550B. I had an IO520BA in my Bonanzas for over 12 years (upgraded from the IO470).