As one of those who have previously posted on problems with my Performance Engine Lyc. IO-540, I offer what I'm able to on FAA involvement on the matter.  My contact with the FAA has asked that I not give any details since, while I was not told that what they said was "off the record", they are in what seems to be a bit of a legal bind (surprise) on subject - my interpretation.  They apparently have a not insignificant amount of hard documentation on the problems with these engines, including my own, but are unable to take action since all of our engines are "experimental".  I was told that since Performance Engines, at least at the time of my contact (several years ago now) held a Repair Station certificate, they could act on any problems noted with a certificated engine but they could take no action regarding experimental engines since there are no real legal standards for what that means - again my interpretation.  To be honest, I was impressed with the apparent sincere regret expressed during my contact that their hands were tied and the recognition of the potential safety problems involved. Unfortunately, I suspect that Paul's suggestion of submitting SDRs on problems would probably fail for the same reason.

My last post on the problem was about 2 years ago before overhauling my engine at 98 hours.  I would be willing to share the problems, pictures, required fixes, etc. from the tear down/overhaul with anyone interested.  Suffice to say that I was very glad that we did tear it down because  a number of things we found can only be described as scarry.  The engine is now back in operation with about 150 hours total on it and is one that I now have some real confidence in.  Like many others on the list, I strongly recommend that anyone with a Performance Engine that has not been overhauled since receipt do so ASAP.

Mark Davis
Legacy N422MD
San Diego, CA