Posted for MikeEasley@aol.com:

This is just a pilot, non A&P opinion. But I think a properly maintained
and operated IO-550 is a very reliable powerplant. When I'm crossing the
rock
pile west of Colorado Springs with solid clouds below me, I like the
long-standing track record of my Continental. It may not be perfect, but
the fleet
has a ton of hours on it. I would venture to say that the vast majority of
bent aircraft with IO-550s in them weren't caused by the failure of the
engine.

Mike Easley
Colorado Springs