Lycoming vs Superior camshaft?

[Jim K]

Just got word that my IO540 camshaft failed inspection. Looks like my options are Lycoming 05K22721 at ~$4000 or Superior SL19340 at ~$3300. These prices are for the kits with lifters and plungers. Are the Lyco parts worth the additional $700? I'm pretty sure the Lycoming kit comes with the DLC coated lifters. That would be an advantage if the engine sat a lot, but historically that hasn't been an issue for me.

 

[tspear]

Not specific to your situation; but a few mechanics on Van's Airforce and COPA have commented recently they prefer Superior parts to CMI or Lycoming in discussions about cylinders, valves and related. The preference is due to assembly being of higher quality with the parts being the same. BWTHDIK?
Camshafts were not mentioned.

Tim

 

[Jim K]

Not specific to your situation; but a few mechanics on Van's Airforce and COPA have commented recently they prefer Superior parts to CMI or Lycoming in discussions about cylinders, valves and related. The preference is due to assembly being of higher quality with the parts being the same. BWTHDIK?
Camshafts were not mentioned.

Tim

I've generally heard good things about Superior, but the foreman at the machine shop hates them. Then they had a crankshaft recall a few years ago, and their experimental engines that got recalled...

 

[4RNB]

I’d go with what is available

 

[Jim K]

I’d go with what is available

Surprisingly, both are in stock

 

[Dave Theisen]

Surprisingly, both are in stock

“Two weeks”

 

[Salty]

Lyco has had plenty of recalls on cranks and camshafts as well

 

[Jim K]

“Two weeks”

I think it's like dog years, but I haven't figured out the ratio yet.

 

[Half Fast]

I’m in a similar situation. I ordered a new Superior cam kit from Air Power last week and it arrived over the weekend.

New Superior cylinders arrived from Spruce today. They were the only ones who had stock.

 

[Ak49flyer]

Get the DLC lifters, for sure. Cam brand doesn’t matter so much, but the DLC is a game changer on lifter life. I know of some that have been to TBO twice and are well into the third run. It’s one of the most common areas of failure in these engines, and I’ve seen lifters pit even in regularly flown engines. Cams don’t usually go bad unless taken out by a pitted lifter; in my opinion the DLC are well worth the $$.