I have read the posts on the unfortunate experiences builders have had with their Performance Engines. Most of the time we hear all about things when they go bad, so I thought I would relay to the group the outstanding experience I have had with my engine builder and how nicely I was treated.

Back in 2007 when I was looking for a 550 for my Legacy, I was considering Performance Engines but elected to go with another shop, Corona Aircraft Engines, (http://www.coronaengines.com/) because Stu told me that there was a 5 month backlog at Performance Engines to get my engine built. Ben O'Con from Corona build me a beautiful high performance 550 N with all the hardware and mods featured by the engines built by Performance Engines:  10:1 pistons, reground camshaft, pistons balanced to within a gram, polished ports, etc. It was built correctly with the correct tolerances! It was delivered on time and for the price quoted. Ben nearly ALWAYS answers either his office or cell phone and responds to my text messages, even on some Sundays (not sure this is too good for his relationship with his wife and young son so I try to minimize the Sunday calls!)

In the time since my first flight in August, 2009 a few issues did arise: I had an alternator failure, an oil leak from one of the through bolts holding the crank case sides together, and my starter adapter started to slip last month.

All of these repairs were repair under warranty by Corona. Because I live in Connecticut and Corona Aircraft Engines is in California, I was not able fly in for repairs. I pulled the alternator myself last summer and returned to Corona. They  turned it around in about 2 weeks. In addition to repairing it, Ben had it chromed as a way of compensating me for the shipping charges. 

Last winter when an oil leak was traced to one of the through bolts at the base of a cylidner, Corona covered the cost of having my A&P pull a the cylinder to find a torn o-ring that was responsibile for the oil leak. Ben sent all parts needed and paid the invoice for the labor from my A&P. Finally, my starter adapter, which began slipping in June, gave out in September. I pulled it myself, shipped it off to Ben, and it was back on the plane within 2 weeks. Since this last issue was at least in part due to wear and my own over cranking of the engine, it was agreed that I would to cover some of the cost of the repair. I still am waiting for the bill from Ben, which he now says will never come!

This project was a large financial undertaking for me, as I imagine it is for most of you. After spending over $50,000 on an engine, it would have been difficult for me to afford sinking an additional $25,000 (or more) to rebuild it a year later. Or even worse....an inflight failure. 

I consider myslef fortunate to have contracted with Corona to build my engine for me and to have someone like Ben O'Con with whom to speak whenever I need support. Those of you who are now building their Lancairs and looking for an engine or those needing help with their current engine should definitely consider giving Ben a call.

Jay M. Sabot

Legacy N26XY

http://lancairlegacyn26xy.shutterfly.com/