1964-M20E

Connecting rod bolts are about $80 each. I'm like you I like turning the wrenches myself. Since you said the rings in #2 were toast I'd get all new rings and hone the cylinders. Not a huge expense and you are there already. More of PIA to go back later.

You are citing SB240W. I believe SBs are optional for part 91 operations not mandatory. If you want to call it an overhaul you need to replace all the items listed. I did this on my overhaul. It says "AT OVERHAUL OR UPON REMOVAL:" and the SB lists 11 specific things some of which do not apply to the IO360 A1A engine. Below are the items I believe apply to the A1A engine. lock nuts and washers bearings main and rod camshaft gear bolts you getting a new cam and these are not very expensive anyway. connecting rod bolts and nuts. It could be argued if you do not unbolt the rods you do not need to change these i.e,. not removed. Unbolt the rods and yes you should change the bolts since they are stretch type bolts. Crankshaft gear bolt, it could be argued that if you do not take the crankshaft gear off you do not need to replace this bolt i.e. not removed. The next section states "AT OVERHAUL:" If you are not calling this an overhaul then these do not apply at all. However, anything internal to the case you probably should consider replacing. Again JMHO I'm not a A&P mechanic but I have identified as one lately. SB240W Mandatory Parts Replacement at Overhaul.pdf

The bigger question is how far do you want to take this. You just OH the engine 400 hours ago so no real reason to do a "OH" It appears that you are in a position of remove and replace engine and open the case. Is your mechanic comfortable with opening the case and changing the cam? How mechanically inclined are you and wiling to get you hands dirty during this process? Inspect the main bearings for signs of wear Rod bearings; you can disassemble the case without unbolting the rods (save on the $80 per rod bolts). If main bearings look good don't touch the rods. Oil pump gears 400 hours inspect and reuse Inspect accessory case gears clean crank case and prepare for reassembly with new cam and followers New engine gasket kit Leave the pistons in the cylinders during disassembly and reuse rings unless you really want to change them Reassemble the engine and install on aircraft. Once done you will have a 400 hour engine with a new cam and lifters. JMHO

I land on grass almost half of all my landings. No problems.

yes but it is a grueling 20 hours

As Eric said appendix A will tell you everything you can do as the owner pilot with out an A&P. You of course can do anything if you have an A&P willing to teach you and oversee your work and then sign it off. Grass strips are not issue for a Mooney as long as they are smooth. I'm not talking golf course green smooth but you don't want holes even on paved strips.

sorry I have the Stec 30 so I do not know what you are talking about.

I'm 6'2" 185lbs so smaller in some dimensions from you. I find short people have more issues in a Mooney than tall.

Cody just did my prop. I only have about 1.5 hours on it and looks great. The flip side several years ago I painted the prop myself with so called prop paint and it did not hold up very well but I did fly within a week of painting it so the paint may not have been fully cured.

What type of governor? Double check everything on the outside. Prop cable linkage travel of governor linkage Maybe a bad OH on the governor? I have had issues on OH governors before. Next the scarier options i.e. something inside the engine. Was the governor gasket installed incorrectly? hard to do but.... You reused the main bearings? Did the front main bearing spin during installation? This can happen and can partially block the oil passage from the governor. However, the engine would probably not spin over easily in this condition. Did someone leave a rag or paper towel in the engine somewhere and it is blocking the oil ports? Did you change the oil an check the finger screen and filter?

1' Foot, 4 AWG Gauge Tinned Copper Wire, Stranded Marine Boat Battery Cable USA | eBay try this

That's what I have used for any wire replacements under the guidance of my A&P. I think there are some outfits that will cover the UNSHIELDED WIRE MIL-W-22759/16 with a braid if you are really a stickler for an original look but I would not want to pay for it.

Good luck I'm glad you are taking on this mission and getting another Mooney back into the air. Looking forward to some pics and to watch your progress.

What Dustoff said. As an EE I would use #8 or #6 AWG wire depending on what size breaker you have on you alternator. 50A breaker #8 would be fine for a 60A chose the #6. A little larger wire will not hurt other than installation.

Don't scrap it.

I just use a regular clip size clip board I have been using since my PPl training in 1986. It has the stick on cheat codes from sporty's I put on it back then. It even survive being flooded in the plane during Hurricane Issac. The larger size sits comfortably across my lap or balanced on one leg.

Where in the maintenance manual is the settings and procedures for the gear up alarm? Changed throttle cable and I've been looking for it.

Neat design. However, what is driving the need to be fast with the step going up and down? Are you going to work on and STC as well? I guess you are using the gear position indicator switches to tell the step to go up or down as well.

Great, good luck and goo flying. I'm always happy to see an underused and neglected plane put back into the air.

I'm manly a flat lander but I did spend some time in Idaho Falls flying in that region during the summer and fall time frames. Certainly a different feel taking off in the afternoon sometimes I would check to make sure the engine was still running. Most of my flights were full fuel and solo. Density altitude does make a difference.

McFarlane is making new ones for my 67F. I sent the throttle and mixture cable to them and they completed the form. 48166 Custom Form with dims for ref..pdf

There are those here who have done just that. Not impossible but not necessarily the best idea either. You can get behind the plane easier with the K than with a 152 or 172. Insurance will be very high check that out before you buy. You should think about what your mission is after you get your PPL and make sure the K is a good fit. Being an owner and student pilot at the same time could get overwhelming

They introduced it in 2017 at SnF looks like an updated version of their previous models. No mention of auto identifying the VOR you have tuned in which would be nice.

Turned out to be the pressure sensor. Changed that an issue went away.

Welcome aboard and congrats on the new ride. A few years ago I drove though Dillion, MT on my way to Virginia, City. I also flew over it in my Mooney to Deer lodge city. Work had me in Idaho Falls for 9 months. Hopefully you have a heated hangar.