Powerflow Systems Displays New Exhaust Systems For Cessna 180, 182, & 185

By Anthony J. Liberatore

When asking what was new with team Powerflow; Jim Shafer (Manager of Dealer Sales at Powerflow Exhaust) noted they had looked at developing a tuned exhaust system for the 6 cylinder Continental engines for many years, but they could never get a design they were happy with.

After the passing of Dane Wagner of Leading Edge Exhaust Systems unexpectedly in December 2017, Powerflow was able to purchase all their Assets, Tooling, Machinery, STC's, and PMA's. After the purchase, they relocated all of the aforementioned property to their Daytona Beach facilities, and have since transferred the STC, and now have PMA authority to make the systems. They have begun serial production of tuned exhaust systems for the Continental 0-470, 520, 550 engines powering the Cessna 180, 182 and 185.

We asked Jim if they tweaked the design or stayed within the STC... “A little bit of both, mostly we stuck with the design that had been approved by the STC, by the FAA -- we have 20 yrs of experience in manufacturing HP exhaust systems and we brought that expertise to bear on those systems” -- with the net effect being enhanced quality of the product.

“These are serial production, nothing is mass produced in aviation, but these are serial produced and everything we make is to the drawing, to the spec, so it is replicatable. If you get system No. 1 or system No. 500, its going to be the same quality, the same spec, parts interchangeability, all of the above.”

Jim noted that 5 tuned tuned exhausts have been produced, and are now flying on customer aircraft. A different version will make it's way to the Bonanza, however their primary focus will be on the Cessna's, with the 205 up first. It is then onto the Piper PA-12, PA-18, and PA-20/22 systems that also came from Leading Edge.

When asked where interested parties could find out more, Jim said; “If they are interested, they can sign up for our newsletter once a month. I just put out an update where we are with all these projects, we don't spam you or inundate you, but you will keep informed if you are interested.”

FMI: www.powerflowsystem.com