KSMooniac Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 Actually, Don, your 6 cylinders are cheaper to buy or replace than our 4 cylinders on the IO-360 engine. We're captive to Lycoming as a sole-source vendor for those, unfortunately. That is why I chose to overhaul my cylinders vs. replace and keep an extra 4+ AMU in my pocket. The turbo of course requires some extra funds, but if you need or want it then it doesn't matter. (I plan to add one to my J over the winter if my plans work) 1
Bill_Carter Posted July 29, 2015 Author Report Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks for the replies. This gives me much to think about. Most of my flights will be in the 3-4 hour range and hopefully be able to fly in the winter. I wonder if the extra cost is worth it though to have the ability to fly in higher altitudes. Getting up there to see the weather is a plus though.
KSMooniac Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 You probably would not regret getting a turbo. Beware, once you open that door, though, then you'll have a whole 'nuther spectrum of candidate planes. The first M20K (231) had a basic add-on turbo system without intercooler or automatic wastegate, meaning you have to manage MP with the throttle. Some 231's have these items added on in the aftermarket, though. The 252 as the second-generation K came with a "better" integrated engine package with these things, but of course now you're looking at newer airframes and likely ones with more equipment, so the price will be higher, generally, and useful load may be lower. There are also some "262" conversions that are a good value IMO, which were basic 231's that were converted to a 252 configuration using factory parts except that they retained a 14V electrical system vs. the 28V in the 252. Finally, there is the Encore built in '97-98 with even more power (220HP) but especially more useful load with a +230 LB gross weight increase. 252 planes can be converted to Encore configuration to get the extra gross weight, but 231's cannot. XC flights of 3-4 hours will generally benefit from having the turbo option. FIKI was only available on the 252 and Encore, I believe. You might find an occasional 231 with TKS added in the aftermarket but it will be for inadvertent icing only. I'll still caution that planning/expecting regular winter trips is a bit fool-hardy until you build up quite a bit of XC experience in non-icy weather.
KSMooniac Posted July 29, 2015 Report Posted July 29, 2015 One more thought, if you end up buying a plane through All American, you might mention the potential to eventually trade-up to a FIKI Ovation if it turns out you love the experience. Going back to them might help reduce the pain and extra cost of trading planes if/when the time comes. In the 9+ years I've been watching the Mooney market, I've seen them list the exact same plane more than once multiple times, so I know others are trading with them in just such a scenario. My opinion is a FIKI Ovation would probably suit your ultimate desires to a T, but I believe it would be biting off more than you should chew at this point in time.
Recommended Posts