Flymu2

I just replaced the IO550G. I did the reman because the plane was damaged during Sandy and the engine required a teardown. It had about 1500 hrs on it. Financially the cost of the teardown was a little more than the value of the remaining time on the engine, plus the insurance paid for the R & R. I decided for the same money to fly behind a new engine and have a newer engine when it came time to sell the plane. The biggest cost to upgrade to 310 hp with the 2700 RPM limit is the new propellor. If the prop had been damaged I probably would have done it, as the insurance would have had to pay for a new prop. Alas, no prop damage. I think the upgrade is worth it, but it's about 18K with the STC, new prop and labor. More than I care to spend at this point. I think the 2 blade prop is a little more efficient, but the 3 blade climbs better. Probably not much difference. I agree that they should have just replaced the mounts while the engine was out. I was PO'd at the mechanic that he didn't. I also asked him about the hoses. He said all the fluid carrying hoses come new with the engine from TCM. He did not replace the transducer lines, again saying they were "on condition". I'm less PO'd about that, but I just don't understand why he wouldn't offer me the "kitchen sink" firewall forward treatment. Maybe most of his customers are stingier than me, but at least let me make the choice.

I just had a factory reman installed in my M20S. The mechanic did not replace the engine mounts, saying that he replaces them only "on condition". He couldn't give me an estimate of how long they should last. He's quoting about $1500 just for the mounts, not for the labor. Should I have the engine mounts replaced now, or just wait until they appear to need replacing?

I've owned a turboprop and currently own an Eagle. The answer to your poll is - it depends!! The mission is the determining factor. The turboprop has wonderful capabilities, albeit at a price. If it's worth it to you to pay the price to accomplish the mission, then that's the right plane for you. The right plane for any person depends much more on individual, often non-technical, factors than on anything objectively measurable about any particular plane. I enjoyed flying my turboprop, and I enjoy flying my Mooney. Each has its challenges. To paraphrase Lance Armstrong, it's not about the plane. Dennis Wolf

There is only one com antenna on the top and the one on the bottom. Between the wheels sounds interesting, though it would worsen the already limited usefullness on the ground. I have to check the logs and manuals about the dual transmit. I owned a Baron that had the PM 7000 with dual xmit, though II used it maybe a few times.

I have an Eagle with a PM7000 audio panel that allows transmitting on both radios at the same time. I have one comm antenna mounted on the bottom of the fuselage (and one on the top!) supposedly to maximize the separation of the transmitting antennas. The antenna on the bottom is beat up - bent, scratched, etc. I'd like to put a new antenna on it, but the mechanic says that a CI122 (that has the bend on it) scrapes on the ground when the tail skid is close to the ground. Any creative solutions to this issue?

Look at Beechtalk. Their advertisers actively participate in the forums. They do get criticized for their contributions at times. I don't really see a problem with the advertising or being criticized. We're all big boys and girls and we all have a delete button. Being a recent buyer, my experience was that it would be a tremendous advantage to know about planes before they're on the general market, both for buyers and sellers. Again, look at BT. When a good plane at a realistic price hits their Peddlers Talk it sells quickly, sometimes within hours. I'd say let Jimmy list here. Dennis Wolf

Look at Beechtalk. Their advertisers actively participate in the forums. They do get criticized for their contributions at times. I don't really see a problem with the advertising or being criticized. We're all big boys and girls and we all have a delete button. Being a recent buyer, my experience was that it would be a tremendous advantage to know about planes before they're on the general market, both for buyers and sellers. Again, look at BT. When a good plane at a realistic price hits their Peddlers Talk it sells quickly, sometimes within hours. I'd say let Jimmy list here. Dennis Wolf

What should the fuel flow, EGT on factory guage, and CHT on factory guage at full power on a straight M20S?

Quote: bd32322 is it possible to do the screaming eagle conversion now? how much does it cost?

Quote: Lood I would like to know how good Bonanza's really are in terms of take off performance compared to a similar powered Mooney? I was once frowned upon by a 300 hp F33A owner when he passed me in the climb and flew away from me. Strangely, he never took into account that I had 100 hp less...

Quote: M016576 Probably not the best place for an unbiased opinion/review of the two... Go mooney or go home

I spoke to this owner. Seems like a nice plane though priced a little high according to Vref and NAAA. Would anyone hazard a guess as to how close the performance of a J this plane would be with its mods?

I was quoted $1700 for the basic annual inspection by Aero Industries at KRIC. The director of maintenance at Van Bortel said the usual annual runs $6-7000. That sounded high to me, but he would know. I don't have a quote yet on insurance.

I'm considering purchasing one or the other. Given similar vintage, avionics and times, anyone care to comment on pros/cons?

Quote: gjkirsch The suggestion of having Bruce review the logs is a good one. I would trust his judgement. I have been to Wilmar a number of times and looked at the weep no more process. They do really good work. I have no idea about the Lapeer, Mi service center. Unfortuantely, no matter what you do, the damage history will be with the plane forever and impact the future marketability. Do you really want to overhaul the engine, maybe upgrade the autopilot and then a few years later try and sell it?

Quote: docket I saw that the cowl is melting just like mine. That is my most irritating issue with the Eagle

Quote: paulbeck Hello all. Just to clarify, I went to Lapeer , MI last month just to fix a leak in the LH tank and reseal the wing walk panel. The tanks other than that are original. Paul Beck Weep No More, LLC

Quote: gjkirsch I started reading the airframe log and quit after the second prop strike at about 650 hours. Multiple nose gear and tire replacements, as well as having to reseal the tanks would scare me too much.

Thinking about this Eagle http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20S-EAGLE/1999-MOONEY-M20S-EAGLE/1239199.htm? Any comments, questions I should ask, concerns that anyone sees? I'm relatively new to Mooneys, but have owned other types. Thanks for any help. Dennis Wolf KFRG

Quote: carusoam Flymu, Check the HP rating on that aircraft. Many an eagle has been upgraded from two to three blades, but the HP seems to increase to 310 HP at the same time. Key words are Screamin' Eagle upgrade. Best regards, -a-

A data point: I compared the performance charts for the M20S standard configuration to the STC for the McCauley 3 blade conversion with 100 lb gross weight increase. The 3 blade is 5 kts faster in cruise and has slightly greater range and endurance. Climb is 30-50 fpm less and takeoff distance is slightly greater (probably attributable to the GW increase). The 3 blade is about 12 lbs heavier.

Quote: jetdriven There is s factory drawing to drill another hole giving you another 1.5" of legroom at the last setting before going all the way back.

I'm comparing the cabin of the M20J with the Ovation. I sat in an Ovation today and found that the most rearward seat position was for me still uncomfortably close to the rudder peddles and the panel. I'm about 5'11". Is there any way to add a detent to the seat track that's a little further back? I also sat in the back seat. The leg room in the back doesn't seem to be that much more than in the M20J. I've looked in the POH's and can't find any numbers for leg room in the rear seat. Does anyone have any data about the comparative room in the 2 models in the back? Thanks.