In fairness to Rick and his original comments, I'm seeing a lot of comparisons to 150/150s rather than 150/180s which is the animal we are talking about here.
I think there is enough experience and evidence with the group here to have shown that the 150/150 conversion is a wonderful airplane and a joy to fly. Looking forward to trying my hands at one someday.
With the 180 conversion you are looking at an 80% increase in HP over what the aircraft was designed around. Things like landing gear clearance, rudder authority, prop size, torque and P-factor are all exaggerated. The weight and balance is likewise significantly different 180 v 150. By saying in his experience the 180hp 150 TW was less than ideal, he was not saying that a 150/150 TW was less than ideal, nor comparing a 150/150 trike.
Landing gear alignment will have a huge impact (toe in or toe out). I also believe that the year/model 150 being converted will have significant impact on how the conversion performs. gear legs and rudders have changed over model years.
I'd be interested to hear from owners of 150/180s, to hear their experience, and would echo Rick's original point of making sure that you know ahead of time what you are buying. That would go for any airplane, but highly modified ones in particular.
