Hello all and Happy Thanksgiving,

I have gotten a call and a lead on a 1950’s C310 with the Riley Super 65.

I have never heard of such a modification but it does seem extensive, expensive and well done.

Any pre-buy recommendations you would have or maintenance and care tips?

Thank you,

Martin

Which one, there are a few different mods and engines that are all called similar names from the same company. What year 310, what motor, how much HP, was there wing tank modifications? If it’s the 65 I believe it’s just taking the early 310s and converting them to a D model which is fuel injected.

Martin, this link will give you some basic information:
https://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contribu ... /12796.htm
I may have some more information in a book that I have at home, "The Marvelous 310". Will let you know!

I never met Jack Riley but I sure would have liked to. He knew how to make planes go fast and did so starting with the 310. The Riley 65 was his first Cessna 310 modification and it was so extensive that his 310’s had their own type certification. The first time I was up close to a Riley modified 310, I immediately noticed how the structure had been treated to reduce drag. Riley used ceramic and epoxy resins to fair adjoining panels, making them smooth - not unlike composite airframes today. He eliminated the over-the-wing exhaust in favor of an underwing exhaust shrouded by a fairing. A third cabin window was added as was a new seating arrangement for 6 seats. Extra 20 gallons per side was in the new nacelle design, bringing the capacity to 140 gallons. It seems like some Riley 65’s retained the original vertical stabilizer while others got the swept stabilizer used on the 310D and later.

After the Riley 65 came the Riley Rocket which had Lycoming IO-540 power at 290 hp each side and 170 gallon fuel capacity. That was followed by the Riley Turbo Rocket which had the same engines with dual Rajay turbochargers. All my old magazines are stored in my hangar so can’t show the ad - but 302 MPH was the Turbo Rocket’s claim to fame. I have not seen one in a long time - the last one I saw was rotting in FL after a gear up landing.

One more thing about Jack Riley - his socks - always wore his trademark red socks because they were lucky! Check Riley paint jobs - they always have red and his overstuffed seats in the Riley Rocket were red as well.

When I was a line boy in the mid 60s at CDW (NJ), there was a construction company that bought a Riley Rocket. I don't know which variant it was, but compared to the Apaches and short nosed Aztecs of the day it looked like a Rocket. I always liked that Riley paint scheme.

Different models listed on this site:
http://all-aero.com/index.php/contactus ... per-310320

There is a Riley Turbostream for sale on ebay, Sven. We need one of these. I did hear the useful load can be zero with full fuel !

Happy Thanksgiving buddy.

The 65 sounds very cool. Hope to see you in the air soon. I have a 2.5 to SAV tomorrow.

Take care friend.

I used to fly a Riley Turbo stream back in the mid 70’s. It was a 1967 C320 Skynight conversion with 350HP Navajo engines and Nacells.

When Jack Riley JR split from his father he went to Texas and started “Riley Aircraft Modifications” which is now RAM Aircraft. That’s where the name RAM came from.

https://www.aviationpros.com/press_rele ... has-passed

Sven,

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for. This filled in a LOT of blanks. Yes I’m trying to learn more.

John,

The plane I’m looking at is a ‘50’s version, converted to 260 FI, underwing exhaust, additional tanks, and third window.

Martin

Sounds like it could be a very interesting find, Martin. The normally aspirated Riley conversions are much easier on the AMU account. If the airplane has been well maintained you might have found a very nice aerial hot rod!

Keep us updated!