Power Flow Systems has released refinements for two tuned exhaust systems that were developed for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 177 Cardinal.
The “classic” versions, introduced in 2003, originally featured ball joints where the tailpipe connected to an intermediate pipe coming out of the collector. The purpose of the ball joint is to dampen the vibrations created by the engine during startup and normal operations.
Maintaining flexibility in the tailpipe connection, however, required periodic lubrication, according to company officials. Without it, the ball joint would seize up, defeating the suppression of vibrations and eventually leading to cracks in the exhaust system. The new connection eliminates the need for periodic lubrication, company officials said.
The upgrade is standard on all new “classic” tuned exhaust kits and can be acquired by current owners as a retrofit option.
New Cessna 172 Cabin Heat System
A second upgrade that has been developed for C-172s is a new cabin heat system. Though the original system is adequate for most northern latitudes, the improved heat box substantially increases output in severely cold weather, company officials note, adding it is an enhancement many pilots have asked for.
The modification to the original cabin heat shroud includes a new baffle assembly that effectively increases the dwell time for the air circulating around the system’s stainless steel tubes before entering the cabin.
Like the modified ball joint, the new cabin heat baffling is a no-cost option for a new tuned exhaust system and can be purchased as a separate kit for existing systems.