1. What kind of fuel burn do you consistently get with an O-300? Is
the generally reported 105 KIAS @ 8 GPH true?


yes.

2. Does the autogas STC help reduce the problem with valve sticking?

never had valve sticking--flew the first 5 years (almost 600 hrs) NEVER using
autofuel STC, and for the last year, burning a 50/50 mix w/ 100LL and auto
(87). Still no valve problems.

If you have the STC, do you generally burn a mix?


answered

3.In general, has your experience led you to expect to have to do a
top overhaul about halfway through the TBO period? What are the
ballpark costs of such an operation.


Never had a top-overhaul since owning the plane.

4. In your opinion, would it be worth it to pay the premium to buy an
new 172 equipped with the O-320E2D?


You're talking apples/oranges. You call a difference of $100,000 a "premium"?

5. Besides the valve guide and cylinder problems (often attributed to
running on 100 LL), are there any other major problems that would make
this an undesireable aircraft?

You seem to have your minnd convinced that the O-300 has valve problems . . . I
disagree with that premise.

If you are flying out of Lake Tahoe in August, or trying to tour the Grand
Canyon
in summer with passengers, or trying to cross the Rockies, it's a little
sluggish G
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