Is the Encore worth the extra price??

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

From what I can tell, the only difference between the standard K 252 and Encore is an increase in gross weight. Can the 252 be upgraded with an STC to Encore specs?

Or are there other differences that I'm not aware of?

[danb35]

The Encore has a different engine that makes 220 HP instead of the 210 HP on the 252 (a TSIO-360-SB rather than -MB), and I'm not aware of an STC to swap the engines (nor would I think it would be worth it).  Other than that, the Encores will be about 10 years newer, and probably lower time.  Not sure what other differences there would be.

[231Pilot]

I have been told (but do not have 1st hand knowledge) that along with the increase in hp and gross weight, there is an increase in usefull load, and a slight decrease in speed when comparing the 252 to the Encore. 

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: 201Pilot

I have been told (but do not have 1st hand knowledge) that along with the increase in hp and gross weight, there is an increase in usefull load, and a slight decrease in speed when comparing the 252 to the Encore. 

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: danb35

The Encore has a different engine that makes 220 HP instead of the 210 HP on the 252 (a TSIO-360-SB rather than -MB), and I'm not aware of an STC to swap the engines (nor would I think it would be worth it). 

[danb35]

I wouldn't think the increase in payload likely to come from 10 extra HP would be worth the cost of an engine change, but "worth it" is always subjective.  It's a moot point if the option isn't there in the first place, which I don't think it is.

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: danb35

I wouldn't think the increase in payload likely to come from 10 extra HP would be worth the cost of an engine change, but "worth it" is always subjective.  It's a moot point if the option isn't there in the first place, which I don't think it is.

[Mcstealth]

The increase if from 'modern' landing gear. The gear is the same as an Ovation, where the 252 is not. If I had my druthers, I would pick the Encore over the 252 but I would not ever kick a 252 out of bed.

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: Mcstealth

The increase if from 'modern' landing gear. The gear is the same as an Ovation, where the 252 is not. If I had my druthers, I would pick the Encore over the 252 but I would not ever kick a 252 out of bed.

[Mcstealth]

Quote: Capt_CrashN_Burn

 Aaah! so is there an STC that allows you to put Ovation landing gear on a 252??

[carusoam]

The Encore is clearly worth the price to some.  Hence market pricing the way it is.....

however, If you going to spend time researching exotic upgrades on old planes to turn them into something different....

Try putting ovation legs on the continental 550 modified Porsche mooney (M20L) and get something out of the deal...

Thread searching indicates that the M20L is a spectactular plane but is gross weight limited by its skinny legs....

Good luck with your upgrade searching....

-a-

[KSMooniac]

Actually, I believe the 252 can be upgraded to Encore-spec relatively easily via compliance with a MAC drawing and the different engine.  I believe someone on the email list even did it at overhaul time, and it wasn't horribly expensive.

The Encore can be had with FIKI as well as the greater useful load, which are two very nice advantages IMO.  The slower speed is most likely due to the higher gross weight and/or TKS panels.

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: KSMooniac

Actually, I believe the 252 can be upgraded to Encore-spec relatively easily via compliance with a MAC drawing and the different engine.  I believe someone on the email list even did it at overhaul time, and it wasn't horribly expensive.

The Encore can be had with FIKI as well as the greater useful load, which are two very nice advantages IMO.  The slower speed is most likely due to the higher gross weight and/or TKS panels.

[jlunseth]

Mooney has a page on their website that lists modifications that are available from Mooney.  http://www.mooney.com/service-support/aircraft-parts.html  If someone else has an STC it would not be available on the Mooney site.  The changes I have read about going from the 252 to the Encore were the engine and the gear (to increase the useful load 230 lbs.) plus a different interior and instrumentation coming from the factory.  Don't know for sure what the cause of a lower rated speed would be, but the gear could contribute and the higher gross weight would also.  The trouble with the increase in useful load, in the planes I have looked at, is that it was quickly taken up with more permanently installed stuff, like instruments and TKS.   

[jackn]

You can convert 252 s/n 25-1000 thru 25-1230 to an 'encore'. See Mooney dwg#940141 for details. Essentially new engine 'SB' 220 hp, new balance weights on the control sfc, and dual cylinder brakes. book #s slightly faster in cruise & better climb at the same gw. runs cool, I like it.