Brand new R-1340 cylinders introduced at NAAA Exhibits in Las Vegas. All four of the major R-1340 engine overhaul shops (Aero Engines, Aero Recip Canada, Covington, and Tulsa Aircraft) had brand new R-1340 cylinders manufactured by E.C.I. on display in their booths at the '98 NAAA Convention in Las Vegas. .

Engine Components, Inc. of San Antonio, TX. has been working on the development of these cylinders for almost two years. The first prototype cylinders were shipped to the engine shops in time for the convention. Delivery should start around March 1st, 1999, according to Dennis Nobile of Sun Air Parts, Inc. who is the exclusive distributor of these new cylinders for E.C.I.

Sam Thompson of Tulsa Aircraft Engines announced prices at the Piston Engine Propulsion Meeting on December 9th. Ed Salmeron, President of E.C.I., attended the meeting and was available to answer questions. More than half of the meeting was devoted to the new cylinder. Everyone seemed very excited with the price and changes that were made to improve the cylinder. These cylinders will not be affected by the proposed Airworthiness Directive (A.D) the F.A.A. is soon to issue.

The new "Heavy Head" cylinder has an improved heavy barrel skirt. It has been strengthened in the weak areas across the dome, on the sides, and in the rocker box area.

E.C.I. and Sun Air Parts have also just received their brand new R-1340 pistons produced in a joint venture. These pistons will be available at a reduced price if purchased with a new cylinder. In addition, Sun Air Parts has acquired over 1500 brand new exhaust valves for the R-1340.

Mr. Alvin Gregorash of Aero Recip ordered the first 100 cylinders from Sun Air Parts at the convention. Mr. Nobile noted that this project could not have been undertaken by E.C.I. without the cooperation and support of all four overhaul shops.