Posted for "F. Barry Knotts" <bknotts@buckeye-express.com>:

JIm,
 
I've found your posts some of the most informative.  I also have lusted
after your beautiful aircraft.  (I'm not the only one.)   Now you've got me on the edge of my seat!  I've heard rumors of early
demise of the valve guides/valves in TSIO-550s.  Some of the pilots of
IV-P's at Oshkosh have been downright grumpy and didn't want to talk
about it.  But I'd heard the rumors:
    "They're getting less than 500 hours out of 'em."
    "If you fly them right, you can get to TBO."
    "Yeah, that means with MPs below 27."
 
We've talked at Oshkosh for a couple of years while I oogled the plane
and I know you know your plane, it's engine and you run it hard and
pamper it, too.  You do a better job than I would, probably.  This makes
me worry.
 
I haven't bought an engine yet, either, but I do have a 28 volt system.
I'm sort of hedging my bets.  Before I completely commit, I think I'd
like to see a few hours of information on the Garrett.
 
Keep the news coming brother, I'll keep the faith.  Any other
authoritative experience out there?
 
Barry Knotts
LIV-P, Conti-TSIO-550 (probably....maybe), 20%. Toledo, Ohio.