From the 1930's to today! Along the way you learn some things. Continental's experience has spanned decades of design, development and production of aircraft piston engines. Engine applications as varied as the original Cub to special purpose extreme high altitude reconnaissance aircraft and the record setting Voyager.

However, most of our focus has been on your powerplant needs. From occasional pleasure flying, business use, training fleets, transportation and freight applications; you need the reliability and value that results from continuous improvement and evolution of TCM engines and cylinders.

Training operations subject cylinders to large numbers of thermal cycles and power changes. Experience over the years on engines such as the O-200, IO-520s and TSIO-360s led to such improvements as optimization of TCM's aluminum head material specification and refinements in the head casting process. Design improvements to port walls, head dome, thread belt area, spark plug and injector areas were among other changes incorporated.

Fleet operators accumulate high hours of operation quickly. Durability and life improvements resulting from such experience include; use of aircraft quality steel barrels with increased hardness by nitriding, refinements to hone patterns, barrel choke and piston fits, modified rocker shaft bosses and shaft retention, barrel to head joint consistency, valve guide and seat material and processing, and strength improvements in both barrel and head.

Aircraft operated less frequently offer additional challenges in areas such as corrosion. The addition of a manganese phosphate coating resists rust during the important initial break in period. Bronze plating prior to painting of the barrel provides additional corrosion resistance to the outside of the steel barrel. Locked exhaust studs provide improved stud retention during maintenance of exhaust systems. Anti-scuff coatings on pistons provide protection during cold starts.

As critical as the lessons learned on design changes and improvements is the understanding that the manufacturing processes must also be constantly improved. TCM specifies the material, processes and approved vendors for the head casting and barrel forging. New manufacturing cells with computer controlled machines are used at TCM to machine and assemble the heads and barrels. Equipment to provide sophisticated honing and coatings are in use. Advanced quality systems monitor those processes to assure the consistency and quality you deserve.

For 65 years, we have designed, tested and produced cylinders, only TopCare cylinders benefit from that unique experience.



What else do I need to know to make an informed decision?

When considering your cylinder options, consider the Hard Fact that "new" designs are not always better. Don't be taken in by warranties that have long expired before the marketing promises are delivered. Continental TopCare cylinders represent over 65 years of experience. They have "been there and done that" and have benefited from decades of learning and product improvement. No PMA cylinder producer can make that claim. When you buy TopCare cylinders, you buy expertise, experience and continuous improvement.

And the story doesn't end there. Aftermarket service is provided by TCM's unique Global Services Call Center and the TCMLINK web site. Membership in Aviator Services or FBO Services provide immediate access to real-time factory service information.

Competitive pricing and an industry leading three-year TopCare Cylinder warranty program complete history.

The Hard Fact is that the premium TopCare Cylinder is the best value for replacement cylinder on Continental engines. Period.