Hi Eric, I installed the Electro Air system on the engine and airframe of my PA 24 180 about six years ago. The first thing I noticed was how easy it became to start the engine and how smoothly it idled. To be fair, one of my Slick magnetos had a weak secondary so I was having trouble starting.
I’ve been very satisfied with the Electro Air system.
If you elect to go Electro Air, I recommend you also replace your ignition L-R-Both switch with the Electro Air EA-13000 Ignition Switch Panel.
As you probably know the coils generate a very hot, very long duration (approx 22 deg of crankshaft rotation) spark at the spark plugs. The spark is so strong the plug gaps are expanded to approximately .032 instead of the magneto plug gap of .016-.018.
The automatic spark timing advance feature also pays off by moving the spark firing event to a spot earlier in C/S rotation to account for the less robust combustion due to less atmospheric pressure as we fly higher. It works great.
I regularly fly my little Comanche at altitudes of 11,500 to 13,500 (western mountains). The auto adjust timing helps reduce my fuel burn by 1 to 1.5 gallons per hour.
As I recall, the SureFly replacement magneto replaces the parts that need regular inspection (the internal wear parts such as the points, and points cam) with electronic parts. Since there are no internal wear parts, there’s no need to crack the magneto case open to replace the wear parts and reset the magneto internal timing at 500 hour intervals.
I believe the SureFly replacement magneto has a 2400 hour service life.
The SureFly also has an auto timing advance feature that can be enacted on certain engines. I believe it’s available for the non turbo charged engines on your Apache.
As I’m sure you know there is quite a price difference between the two, and the ElectroAir system takes more time to fully install.
The following notes are posted at the bottom of the SureFly application guide:
“*NOTE 6: SureFly EIS products are ONLY APPROVED for use on aircraft (originally approved with a Lycoming engine model) that are greater than twelve (12) years old (i.e., in the year 2023, aircraft models dated 2011 or prior). Refer to the current revision of Lycoming Engines Service Instruction No. 1443 for a complete listing of approved Lycoming EIS P/N for corresponding Lycoming Engine Models.
*NOTE 7: SureFly EIS products are ONLY APPROVED for use on aircraft (originally approved with a Continental engine model) that are greater than six (6) years old (i.e., in the year 2023, aircraft models dated 2016 or prior).
*SureFly is contractually obligated by Lycoming Engines to include Notes 6 and 7 in the SureFly Application Guide.
• “ONLY APPROVED” does not refer to FAA approval. If your aircraft is listed in this Application Guide, installation is approved by the FAA.
• SureFly is not permitted by Lycoming Engines to directly sell a SureFly SIM to the owner of a Lycoming powered airplane built after 2013 or a Continental powered airplane built after 2019. NOTE 6 and 7 do not apply to Experimental aircraft
