M20K 231 TSIO-360-GB vs. LB

[FlyDave]

This plane is great, but the compressions are getting low (one cylinder in the 50's, two in the 60's.  So I should probably factor that in right away.  

 

Why didn't you pull the trigger on this one? 

No altitude pre-select. I think it's a fine plane but I really wanted the altitude pre-select. I think this would be a great plane with excellent redundancy - 2 alternators, electric backup vacuum pump.

[ifrflyer]

That was me with the ski tube in my 68F. I'm thinking about having it removed, I don't ski and I hate cold weather. It will be up for grabs on Mooneyspace when I do. 

Keep me posted!

[ifrflyer]

Is it possible to change out the bench back seat from the 231 and install a removable split back seat? 

[Z W]

Is it possible to change out the bench back seat from the 231 and install a removable split back seat? 

 

Yes, but expensive.  I've heard they sell the complete parts necessary for $8k out of salvaged planes.  Install would be extra.  You need the plastic bucket for the base, the two seats, and then all the hardware associated with the reclining mechanism.  And then you've got two back seats that don't match the front...

 

Not sure if it's an STC.  Might require a field approval from an FAA inspector.

 

Like most options these days, it's a lot cheaper to buy a plane that has them than to add them later.  Buyer's market and all.  

[KSMooniac]

I've only seen one set for sale, and IIRC the seller wanted $2500 for the complete kit with seats that needed to be rebuilt.  Not terrible, but not cheap either.  That is the only one I've ever seen advertised.  I called a few boneyards years ago looking for some and they said they are rare and go fast.  I didn't ask about prices.  The models with the modern split rear seats start in '81 or so, and of course the bulk of the fleet is much older.  There were a few years in the early 70s I believe that had a different version of rear buckets, but I don't think they were as "nice" as the '81+ version.  

 

I bought a salvage J that had them, and of course I'm going to rebuild the seats and move everything into my '77.  That route took a lot of effort and expense to get most of my money back from buying the whole airframe of course, but I'm glad I did it.

[ArtVandelay]

More or less.  That is what is called the 262 conversion (I fly one).  It was done by a company called ModWorks.  The STC's are still around, although the company isn't.  They took a 231 and put a MB engine, speed brakes, hot prop, and extended range tanks on it.  Some, like mine, even modded the windows to be rounded on the corners like the 252's instead of square like the 231's.

I think those were options, there is a 262 listed on controller with neither of those

[mcpilot]

Hello,

 

I previously owned a 1982 231.  I have to tell you that for the money that someone else put into the one you are looking at, you would be getting a whole lot of desirable things in this one at a huge discount...  At the end of the day it is still a 1979 model and the book value will always reflect that.  

 

The TSIO 360 is a really smooth running engine.  Notice that tis one just had a top OH and that is pretty much the norm around midtime for these. Flying up high it is difficult to keep those CHTs low.  

 

It's a buyer's market out there right now....  Good luck!

[ifrflyer]

Hello,

 

I previously owned a 1982 231.  I have to tell you that for the money that someone else put into the one you are looking at, you would be getting a whole lot of desirable things in this one at a huge discount...  At the end of the day it is still a 1979 model and the book value will always reflect that.  

 

The TSIO 360 is a really smooth running engine.  Notice that tis one just had a top OH and that is pretty much the norm around midtime for these. Flying up high it is difficult to keep those CHTs low.  

 

It's a buyer's market out there right now....  Good luck!

Thank you for the luck!  I really like this bird, but am gravitating to the 252.  I don't know how much more performance you can get out of a 252.  If someone can enlighten me, it would be greatly appreciated!  

[Parker_Woodruff]

Thank you for the luck!  I really like this bird, but am gravitating to the 252.  I don't know how much more performance you can get out of a 252.  If someone can enlighten me, it would be greatly appreciated!  

 

Well, here is what used to be my airplane (252) doing 194 knots on 11.5 gallons per hour at FL210.

 

 

Some quick numbers for a more modest fuel flow of 11.2 gph:

 

15,000 ft ---- 180-183 KTAS

17,000 ft ---- 188-190 KTAS

[ifrflyer]

Well, here is what used to be my airplane (252) doing 194 knots on 11.5 gallons per hour at FL210.

 

 

Some quick numbers for a more modest fuel flow of 11.2 gph:

 

15,000 ft ---- 180-183 KTAS

17,000 ft ---- 188-190 KTAS

Is it wishful thinking to hope the owner of your 252 would sell? 

[Parker_Woodruff]

It would cost you a lot of money. He's adding FIKI TKS and a glass panel.