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M20L PFM

flight2000

By flight2000
in Modern Mooney Discussion

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flight2000 Veteran

flight2000

Posted
Posted

I'm looking at the M20L models and was wondering what everyone thought of them?  I haven't seen a hole lot of press on these other than the tie in with Porsche when they first came out.  The one's I'm looking at have been converted to the IO-550 engines and no longer have the engines they were produced with.  The thing that I noticed off the bat is what I believe to be a combined throttle and prop handle.  Was that part of the conversion? They look interesting, that's for sure.


http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20L-PFM/1988-MOONEY-M20L-PFM/1170825.htm


Thanks,


Brian

flight2000 Veteran

flight2000

Posted
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Define low.  The one I saw had a higher useful load (by almost 100 pounds over my E) so it can't be all that bad.  Maybe that's what I'm missing.  Love the idea of cruising at 190kts though, even with slightly higher burn rates... :)  Mostly interested in the stretched, long body.


Brian

scottfromiowa Grand Master

scottfromiowa

Posted
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There are two on Controller.  One that has it listed is 675lbs...My E is 950+ I think that is pretty low Brian.  Someone showed me this before at MooneySpace and killed my "dream".  If you throw fuel in there...50 gallons that's 300 so you have 375 left...Nope.

flight2000 Veteran

flight2000

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I saw that one and it does seem odd.  Maybe that's their definition after full fuel?  If not, your absolutely correct, what's the point.


Actually, there are three on controller now.... Tongue out  The one I was looking at is the one in WV with the garmin stack.


Brian

Piloto Grand Master

Piloto

Posted
Posted

Many of the converted M20L to IO-550 have the Monroy long range tanks. Without these their range is less than that of an M20C. When looking for one consider the above. I think Porsche would have been better of by putiing a Lyc engine in their cars than car engine on the planes. After all a Porsche buyer would feel better about bragging having an airplane engine on his car.


José 

KSMooniac Grand Master

KSMooniac

Posted
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The IO-550 M20L STC did not include a gross weight increase, so they are limited to 2900 lbs and have useful loads in the 6xx lb range.  That is total, not after any fuel!  This makes them nearly useless for travel since you can only put a couple people in there and fly a short distance if you want to remain legal.  Any other stock Mooney will beat one on a long trip by skipping a fuel stop.  You could choose to fly overgross and hope you don't get caught, but that is a dumb idea IMO.

flight2000 Veteran

flight2000

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I'm looking at the missile as well.  Normal mission seems to be settling into the 450-650nm range now.  Grandparents want to see the kids a little more often now that we have the magic carpet... plus all the local backyard type stuff.  Don't you hate it when the wife thinks your nuts for buying an aircraft in the first place and then finds she actually likes it and asks why you didn't buy newer and bigger in the first place.... sheesh!!  I'm not letting her anywhere near a twin or Bonanza...hah!  Mooney's have been in my head since '91 and you'd have to beat it out.


Thanks for the info Scott.  Seems ridiculous that an aircraft would have that weak of an actual useful (or useless..) load.  I saw one that said the max gross weight was increased.  Was that an option with the STC/conversion?


Brian

scottfromiowa Grand Master

scottfromiowa

Posted
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The saga of the PFM is long and painful.  Punta Gorda Hurricane leveled Mod Works and a bunch of in process conversions for PFM's.  Porsche had wanted OUT of general aviation and liabilty trail and pulled support and supply of parts.  The Hurricane was probably an answer to their prayers...A certificate for weight increase was not pursued...perhaps due to the majority of the fleet being decimated on the ground while under conversion.


Wilmer has a beautiful well-maintained Missile that with paint and interior and some panel upgrades (Garmin) could be made "yours" Brian.  I WANT A RIDE THOUGH!Laughing

flight2000 Veteran

flight2000

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You got it. Cool


Maybe if they still have it in December, I'll inquire, but I'm in a sit and look only mode right now.  Certainly cut that 1.3 hour flight down to about 45 minutes to your place...  I might actually have a buyer for my plane, but that's a long shot.  Worst case is I go ahead and keep my current baby and continue with the planned mods.  It's never a bad thing to be a Mooney owner, no matter what the year or model.... Laughing


Brian

Magnum Experienced

Magnum

Posted
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Here in Germany is a M20L still flying with the original Porsche engine. He was able to get the most important parts (e.g. spark plugs, etc.) directly from the manufacturers and bypassed Porsche. If someone needs the contact I might be able to find him.

roundout Collaborator

roundout

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I talked to a guy out of the Houston area who claimed to be flying a PFM with the Porsche engine. He told me something similar to what Magnus posted - he can get parts from the manufacturers and has a mechanic who will sign off on it every year. 


Sounds like a lot of hassle to me. I'd go for an Ovation or a Missle. Prices are so bedraggled that you're better off not bothering with anything of questionable history (or future). 

jasonwojo Collaborator

jasonwojo

Posted
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Quote: flight2000

Hmmmm, think I've seen that one before... Laughing

Just a tick outside my price range right now, but that is a seriously nice airplane.  Might have to settle for a ride in it though if you still have it when I get back in December... Wink

Brian

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