Legacy 172 160 HP STC (2024)

I have the 160 hp RAM conversion on my 1975M. I have the O-320-D2J but the STC says it's good for O-320-D2G, D2J, or E2D. The STC is issued to RAM Aircraft, Limited Partnership..... 7505 Karl May Drive...... Waco Tx 76708. STC # is SA2375SW with orignal product type certificate # 3A12. It looks like it is good for 172 models D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M and N.

Looked a little deeper and came up with these phone numbers for RAM: 254-752-8381 and 254-752-3307. The conversion was done before I purchased the plane so I can't tell how much improvement there was but it does seem to climb very well. Oh yeah, the prop needs to be re-pitched also.

I'm not aware of any STC to convert a 172G to a Lycoming O-320 engine, except one fellow got a one-time STC to install an H2AD. The STC said that the data presented was inadequate for any other aircraft, and was limited to a single ser # aircraft. There are though, a couple STCs for converting to an O-360.

The FAA list of active STC's is here:
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSTC.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet

This question keeps coming up over and over again. Going from a Continental powered aircraft to a Lycoming engine requires *EVERYTHING* forward of the firewall be changed. Motor mount, engine, prop, exhaust, cowling, baffling, accessories.....

It's not easy or cheap. It's like converting a slant-six Dodge Dart to a small block Chevy, you're gonna need a whole lotta custom parts. That's why no STCs. It made no sense to convert from a 145 Connie to a 150/160 Lycoming when the (high) cost was essentially the same to go straight to 180hp O-360.

Well, I stand corrected, I did find the RAM STC, but listed under their corporate name, not under C172G.

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/da21a55263b577fc8625793e006962c5/$FILE/SA2375SW-D.pdf

So call them and tell us what it costs and if they are still selling the STC and all the parts to do the conversion. I still think you'll be within a few thousand of the cost to install a similar O-360.

[edit]

Here's the list of parts Air Plains sells for their 172G to O-360 kit:

•Sensenich Propeller and assembly includes mounting bolts, spacer and spinner
•New Baffles with baffle seal attached
•All new exhaust system
•Oil Cooler
•Engine mount
•Engine isolator mounts(four) with mounting bolts
•Throttle cable
•Cowl oil door relocation kit
•Alternator belt
•Airbox
•Vacuum hoses
•Scat hoses
•Fuel & oil lines
•Forward/Aft spinner bulkhead
•Induction air filter element
•Crankcase vent tube
•Oil cooler mounts, Flanges/plates
•Throttle mixture support bracket
•Installation Hardware and Clamp Kit
•STC Authorization, Drawings, and Installation Instructions

I'm guessing you can buy a freshly overhauled O-300 for about the same cost as the above parts to do the conversion, without even factoring in the cost of the Lycoming engine.

I bought the ram STC for my 1973M to go from 150 D2E to 160D2J

The STC prevents me from sharing any part of it through confidenality.

Egads, I just looked up Yingling's price for a new C172 Lycoming engine mount.

Thank heavens, you can exchange an old mount for a rebuilt for 1/10 that price.

Mike, I have seen one of these done before at my airfield. I'll ask the owner about it. IIRC, he bought a firewall forward from another plane, and installed it with the STC. I spoke with the guy in Florida who currently holds the STC, he is getting ramped up to sell these again. I'll street my brain and see if I can remember his name. I have the following for you:

172N engine mount with shock mounts, washers and maybe bolts
complete C172 exhaust
good used power flow exhaust.

Send me an email supercub180@gmail.com

Don Hague