The Continental IO-550P engine with what are called “cross-flow” heads is the latest in piston engine technology. Versions of the engine are used in new Cirrus and Columbia airplanes where they have become legendary for their power output. Now Atlantic Aero in Greensboro, North Carolina, is offering what they call 550 Tuned Induction Conversions for the 1970 through 1984 Cessna 210s K through N, for Cessna 206s, and for Bonanza S35s and later, plus Bonanza 36s. Later model Bonanzas have IO-550 engines but not with the cross-flow heads.
The conversion, which does not include turbocharging, has become a popular option for owners of turbocharged 210s. In fact, most of the conversions are being done to T210s, moving the airplanes from a turbocharged powerplant to a normally aspirated engine with more power.
