Although I'm dismayed at all the engine conversions on 14-19s, I can understand it. When I discovered that my O-435 was junk I elected to have it overhauled to new limits. I simply cannot give up that magnificent longer cowl, with its stainless steel trim, grinning air intakes, and stately spinner. Plus, despite market conditions to the contrary, I believe the 14-19 is an important airplane as it was the last in the G.M. Bellanca line.
That said, acquiring parts for the O-435 have been an exercise in patience. The new, old stock parts we found were the last available from nearly every source. New cylinders were out of the question, so I had ECI rebuild mine employing their cermi-nil (not cermi-chrome) process. Still, we had to go through ten used cylinders before we could get six good rebuildable ones. Fortunately, new high compression pistons were readily available.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of O435s out there, but the -A, -C, GO435, and -V are all different in very important ways - especially the accessory cases.
I do not regret my decision. Even with my sore and hurting engine, my cruise speeds were identical to my buddy's clean -2, though climb was another story. I expect that will improve with the overhauled engine, though it will never match the -2 in climb. Nonetheless, the stock 14-19 outclimbs just about every certificated GA aircraft out there.
In many ways, triple tail owners have much in common with the Swifters - all manner of mods are readily accepted by the Bellanca community, and originality does not appear to enhance the value of these already undervalued aircraft.
Thus take my comments as those of someone who is probably swimming upstream :wink:
Jonathan
