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Hi folks, Great site. I'm new here, and new to flying as well. New to flying from the left seat, that is, as I've been in planes as a passenger virtually my whole life. It's wonderful to finally realize a long-held dream of getting my ppl. I'll beginning the search for a plane and obviously I'm interested in Mooneys. I'll be using the plane to commute 1000 miles round-trip 2-4 times per month, in addition to doing some trips with the wife. Commuting to the Milwaukee area, mostly, plus my wife and I do various tandem rallies and haul in our bike, as well as trips to Santa Fe, Sedona, Colorado Springs, etc. (The bike breaks down, goes in a case, weighs 45 lbs w/ case, not worried about whether it will fit.) I'm looking for speed, efficiency, good performance at altitude, and reasonable cost of ownership. Reasonable for planes, I mean. I'm not sure I fully understand the engine lifecycle, particularly w/r/t Mooney 231s and was hoping someone could help clear things up. Questions - 1. It looks like most Mooney engines have a Mfr TBO of 1700 or 1800 hours. Yet I frequently see planes advertised with, say, 1200 TSOH, but also with a more recent top overhaul. Is it typical that a 231 will need the top end overhauled prior to major or is the frequency misrepresented in planes that happen to be for sale? 2. I note that a key improvement from 231 to 252 is the MB engine and improved cowling. While the 252 appeals, I don't think I can get the 252 I'd want for my budget of $120k or so. Does getting a well-equipped 231 and then planning for an eventual conversion to -MB and 252 cowling when the engine is run out sound like a good idea? Does anyone have an estimated price of that conversion? 3. Can an engine be majored more than once? If I get a plane with 1600 hours, then do a major on it and fly it for another 1800 hours, is that engine done? I know a lot depends upon condition, but just wondering if there are engines that get overhauled more than once, or if you should just assume you'll go to a reman or new engine. Gonna try to sneak in 1 more question: 4. Are there any special longevity/reliability issues for Rocket 305s vs 231s?