TBO - Rear engine
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ul+rear+engine
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ul+rear+engine
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ul+rear+engine
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ul+rear+engine
I can't speak for the TSIO versions as my journey with Skymasters has been all normal aspirated. I have replaced two engines, rear and then front, and both went well beyond TBO. In the low to mid 2k for both and they were still operating when I swapped them out. The factory TBO is 100 hours less on the turbo TSIO's but I think you will find that most guys go beyond TBO. My theory is most of the Skymasters are owner flown and usually just one person as the pilot. Not a bunch of Part 135 with several pilots doing different things so the engines tend to go further. Also these TBO's were deemed 40 or 50 years ago and we have gotten a lot smarter how we care for them. Of course regular use is always the best for the engines and sitting idle is the worst.
Like you said they are Continentals and most hangar talk beats them up pretty good. The normal aspirated are really a simple engine and designed for smooth operation. The TSIO version was an afterthought and therefore taxes the system. Treat em right and they will respect you.