When production began, Cessna found problems with the cylinders, and instead of further delaying the introduction, they moved the 206 to the older and less powerful 260 hp Lycoming IO-540.

Lycoming eventually addressed all of the problems, and the engine found some use in various aerobatic aircraft, but no serious production was undertaken.

The engine has a displacement of 583 cubic inches (9.554 litres) and produces a maximum of 315 hp (235 kW) in its B1A version.

The cylinders have air-cooled heads cast from aluminum-alloy with a fully machined combustion chamber.

[1][5] The first IO-580 was type certified on 12 August 1997 on the regulatory basis of FAR 33 effective February 1, 1965 as amended to 33-1 through 33-18.