LASAR Cowl Enclosure

[Sabremech]

Hi Bonal,

Mine already had the 201 windshield in it when I bought it. I can't give you before and after numbers, but the windshield is the best mod with the biggest speed increase for the pre 201 Mooneys. I flight plan 148 TAS and see those numbers consistently in my 66 C.

David

[carusoam]

The ordinary one piece maintains the same vertical angle that you have now.

The center strip gets removed. You will still be looking around the center post and compass...

The 201 slope is where the 'real' aerodynamic benefit is...

The one piece windshield is sensible when you need to replace the existing plastic due to age, scratches and life's challenges...

Right up there with having a one piece belly.

Probably not the answer you were hoping for?

Best regards,

-a-

[bonal]

See that's what is curious to me, there have been lots of posts on the subject of speed and mods. Seen most of the numbers right in line with yours and after some GPS speed checks I find that I'm at 149 knots true with the original windshield. I do have the cowl closure and the more fitted top piece also gap seals. When the Lake aero guys test flew it they did comment that I have a fast C. But looking at the rake and most importantly the frontal area and I'm not convinced about the bang vs buck on doing the mod. Would be nice to see some real numbers.

[philipneeper]

FWIW: I have an uninstalled LASAR cowl enclosure - anyone want it, give me a shout, no reasonable offer refused.

I have many of the LASAR mods already and love each one, just too lazy to install the cowl

enclosure!

Wild horse: can you send me a picture of the cowl. Not sure if I want to tackle but maybe interested

[Sabremech]

Hi Bonal,

All the speed mods are expensive. For me, it's the look the 201 windshield gives my airplane. I don't think I would purchase a stock Mooney nor would I spend the money to upgrade the windshield. The airplane for me had to have the mods done already.

David

[BigTex]

I personally like the look of the mid-60's C/E models.  If I wanted the 201, I would of purchased one.

[bonal]

I'm happy with how mine looks and fly's For me the biggest factor in choosing a Mooney is the Johnson bar. It just makes sense not to have all the potential for a failure. I know it's not 100% but no retractable is as fool proof.

[Sabremech]

Mine has the Johnson bar and has been geared up twice. That's another reason I purchased this one though as it had a low time engine and prop!

David

[scottfromiowa]

I personally like the look of the mid-60's C/E models.  If I wanted the 201, I would of purchased one.

O.K. I completely disagree, but a lot of people drove Pacers and Yugo's so...Good for You

[Marauder]

Maybe he had an AMC "Gremlin?"

Whew! Thought you were going to mention the Matador my girlfriend who later became wife owned and that I drove.

[BigTex]

O.K. I completely disagree, but a lot of people drove Pacers and Yugo's so...Good for You

Why do you find it so hard to believe some folks prefer the vintage planes over the 201?

[bonal]

O.K. I completely disagree, but a lot of people drove Pacers and Yugo's so...Good for You

Yeah and here is some more of that old style tech note the split windshield

[scottfromiowa]

Older than both I listed. Obsolete

[scottfromiowa]

Why do you find it so hard to believe some folks prefer the vintage planes over the 201?

I own one of them...so I get it. The Two piece windshield or one piece are to me about as attractive as the new Royal in knickers...You gave your opionion. I gave mine.

[scottfromiowa]

It's not like the 201 windscreen makes the plane faster...Oh wait, it is the best speed improvement mod... besides a LoProesti cowl mod. Nevermind.

The 201 SWTexas Aviation Mod (because of cost and speed gain) were my PRIMARY cosmetic "must have" when I was plane shopping...

[BigTex]

I own one of them...so I get it. The Two piece windshield or one piece are to me about as attractive as the new Royal in knickers...You gave your opionion. I gave mine.

Fair enough.... It's all in the eye of the beholder.  Then again I prefer the Ferrari 308GTS over the Testarossa.

[scottfromiowa]

Me too. The older the better on Ferrari's

I have a stable of about 35...sadly they are all 1/18th scale

[DonMuncy]

I have very little experience driving Ferraris, but what I have had convinces me my Lotus Elan is far more fun to drive.

[BigTex]

Could be... need to arrange a drive off.   I do have one of these in the garage.  http://www.alfaholics.com/2010/07/1975-alfa-romeo-spider-2000-veloce-136/  It's Italian and the body was made by the same folks that made Ferrari's body so that has to account for something!

[Wildhorsesracing]

My son and I are building one of these to race next year:

https://www.factoryfive.com/kits/project-818/

 

[BigTex]

Nice!  I always thought I'd like to build their MK4 Roadster.  Does it also use a Ford Mustang donor car?

[carusoam]

More of a fan of the LS version with the Porsche trans. The new one really looks factory built.

https://www.factoryfive.com/kits/gtm-supercar/

What tracks are you intending to run it on?

Best regards,

-a-

[Wildhorsesracing]

It uses a turbo subaru drivetrain as a mid engine.  We run at Road Atlanta, Roebling Road, Carolina Motorsports Park, Daytona Speedway, Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen... 

 

It is an excellent kit, I have built over 50 racecars over the years and this is the 1st "kit" racecar, much easier when you don't have to do all of the engineering.

[BigTex]

Do you plan on rebuilding the engine and drive train before dropping it into the car?

[Wildhorsesracing]

The design is such that you can R&R the engine & transmission in about 2 hrs.   So far we have left the engine and transmission alone, just replaced the consumables - water pump, timing belt, larger oil pan, etc. to make it more reliable.  We want to get the car sorted and then start adding HP thru an engine rebuild.  If we leave it at stock power the drivetrain should stay relatively reliable.  We plan to buy a second donor and rebuild it for more go.