Looking at a 231

[231Pilot]

I have been thinking about upgrading to a turbo for a couple of years...not always necessary for my flight mission, but often it would make a significant difference in the go/no go decision, plus, I might be putting in regular flights to the Mountain West area in the near future.

I stumbled across a '79 231 with 3600 hrs on the airframe, 502 hrs. on a factory reman LB, intercooler, merlyn wastegate, 835 hrs. on 3 blade prop, new leather interior, and some avionics upgrades.  The paint needs some touch-up but not a full strip and paint. The current owner has lost his medical and will not be getting it back.  He has maintained the aircraft pretty well based on a review of the logs.

Avionics wise it has a KMA 20 audio panel, GNS 430 (not WAAS), a Garmin 330 transponder, King KY 197 witha KNS 80, PS intercom with CD player, RC Allen back up electric AI, Century HSI and Century 41 AP.  I would like to limit the amount of extra cash I throw it the aircraft, so I was thinking of pulling the 430 and paying the $3K for the WAAS upgrade (and approach certifying the installation), replacing the KMA 20 with a Garmin 340, replacing the KY 197 and KNS 80 with a Garmin SL30, and putting a Garmin 696 in the panel with an Airgizmo panel dock.  The CE player would go also.

The shock discs are relatively new and look good, but tires need replacement.  The aircraft has 4 place built in oxygen, and speed brakes.  I would also replace the whiskey compass with a vertical card.

Any suggestions on the panel changes?

[DaV8or]

Sounds like a good plan. Just see if you can check the serial number on the 430. I was told that very early units are not capable of the WAAS upgrade. Check with an avionics shop maybe. Another thought, engine monitoring system?

[231Pilot]

Has an ED 700 too.  Doesn't have hot prop.

[231Pilot]

Quote: DaV8or

Sounds like a good plan. Just see if you can check the serial number on the 430. I was told that very early units are not capable of the WAAS upgrade. Check with an avionics shop maybe. Another thought, engine monitoring system?

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: 201Pilot

I have been thinking about upgrading to a turbo for a couple of years...not always necessary for my flight mission, but often it would make a significant difference in the go/no go decision, plus, I might be putting in regular flights to the Mountain West area in the near future.

I stumbled across a '79 231 with 3600 hrs on the airframe, 502 hrs. on a factory reman LB, intercooler, merlyn wastegate, 835 hrs. on 3 blade prop, new leather interior, and some avionics upgrades.  The paint needs some touch-up but not a full strip and paint. The current owner has lost his medical and will not be getting it back.  He has maintained the aircraft pretty well based on a review of the logs.

Avionics wise it has a KMA 20 audio panel, GNS 430 (not WAAS), a Garmin 330 transponder, King KY 197 witha KNS 80, PS intercom with CD player, RC Allen back up electric AI, Century HSI and Century 41 AP.  I would like to limit the amount of extra cash I throw it the aircraft, so I was thinking of pulling the 430 and paying the $3K for the WAAS upgrade (and approach certifying the installation), replacing the KMA 20 with a Garmin 340, replacing the KY 197 and KNS 80 with a Garmin SL30, and putting a Garmin 696 in the panel with an Airgizmo panel dock.  The CE player would go also.

The shock discs are relatively new and look good, but tires need replacement.  The aircraft has 4 place built in oxygen, and speed brakes.  I would also replace the whiskey compass with a vertical card.

Any suggestions on the panel changes?

[Mcstealth]

I think Parker slept at a Holiday Inn Espress last  night. :)

[231Pilot]

The only problem I see with scrapping the 696 and going with the GTN650, is the GTN650 requires a GDL69 for weather, and the 696 gives me a second GPS with a larger screen and XM weather for many less amu's, but still worth thinking about.  I have a little time for that.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: 201Pilot

The only problem I see with scrapping the 696 and going with the GTN650, is the GTN650 requires a GDL69 for weather, and the 696 gives me a second GPS with a larger screen and XM weather for many less amu's, but still worth thinking about.  I have a little time for that.

[fantom]

Yes, there is a panel dock for the Aera 510, and the last time I checked refurb GDL 69's were over 3 grand.

I, too, would go with a GTN 650, and back-up 510 with WX.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: fantom

Yes, there is a panel dock for the Aera 510, and the last time I checked refurb GDL 69's were over 3 grand.

I, too, would go with a GTN 650, and back-up 510 with WX.

[fantom]

Remember, that's a Florida (not Texas) price for a reman GDL69 ;-)

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: fantom

Remember, that's a Florida (not Texas) price for a reman GDL69 ;-)

[scottfromiowa]

I paid $2.4AMU's for a 696 used on Ebay.  It is working perfectly.

[Frosty]

Has anyone suggesting removing the KNS80 ever used one.  I have one in my 231 and consider it a very capable RNAV unit.  My 231 also has  a reman LB, intercooler,and merlyn.  My  avionics are King with a coupled approach capable KLN90.  I  am waiting to replace it with a 530 when the used units start coming down in price.  Saw a pair coming out of a TBM offered for $5K last week.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: Frosty

Has anyone suggesting removing the KNS80 ever used one.  I have one in my 231 and consider it a very capable RNAV unit.  My 231 also has  a reman LB, intercooler,and merlyn.  My  avionics are King with a coupled approach capable KLN90.  I  am waiting to replace it with a 530 when the used units start coming down in price.  Saw a pair coming out of a TBM offered for $5K last week.

[231Pilot]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

It's capable...and because it is, it's actually worth *something* on the used market.  Furthermore, you should be able to pay a good way towards a 430/530 with the equipment you currently have (and won't be necessary with a 430/530).  I'm assuming there will be a corresponding COMM coming out with the KNS80 NAV?

$5000 for a GNS530?  I'd go for that if funds were available at the time.  I really don't think you'll see one for lower than that for awhile.

[KLRDMD]

Quote: 201Pilot

 . . .  replacing the KY 197 and KNS 80 with a Garmin SL30 . . .

[231Pilot]

Quote: KLRDMD

A friend of mine is looking for a KNS-80 if you end up doing this, let me know.