Yeah, the engine in the 185 was certainly pre-June. I was affected by the cylinder recall though, so it would seem that TCM are going through a little bit of a bumpy ride at present.
I have been told by a few people that the continental motors are not built with the tapered bore anymore, and then some have told me that this is no longer true. What most people seem to agree on though is that 520s and 550s are unlikely to go through their life without a top overhaul at some point.
Are they an inferior product to what they were 10-15 years ago or more?
Most operators I speak to have multiple pilots and harsh operating conditions so maybe it is not a fair judgement.