Upcoming Continental IO-550G Overhaul questions

[gsengle]

I'm at around 1750 hours on my Ovation's IO550, and it uses quite a bit of oil (anywhere from a quart every 2-5 hours, seemingly depending on how hard I'm running the engine) but otherwise is running well/smooth, and the compressions are all acceptable.  But I know an overhaul is in my future in the next year or three.  Couple of questions.

I know this has been debated many times, but is there any advantage to a factory new engine - i.e. has the engine changed or been improved since mine was manufactured in '96?

Second, I understand that Continental can zero time the engine - does anyone have good/bad experience with letting Continental do the work?

Third - my default plan is to use Penn Yan again (they overhauled the Lycoming in my Arrow a few years ago, pre Mooney days).  If I go this route - does an overhaul mean I have to re-do my gami injectors?  I'm assuming that a new engine would change things enough?  How bout just overhauled?

Four - I know about the screaming eagle conversions etc.  Is there any 'upgrades' I should be considering for an Ovation 1?

 

thanks all for your thoughts!

Greg

 

 

[Parker_Woodruff]

If you can do the 310 hp upgrade, then do it.  I can't confirm what the cost is.  I would recommend Zephyr Aircraft Engines in Zephyrhills, FL.  Where do you live?

[Seth]

Goodl luck with your upcoming overhaul.  When I was plane shopping I was looking at early Ovations and Eagles to upgrade to 310 HP in time.  The cost depending on which prop you go with is between $20k and $29k.  Midwest Mooney quoted me the following in June 2011:

The metal prop comse to $20k and the composite prop comes to $29k. 

Basically, they replace the prop governor to get higher RPM, change the prop, and boom - basically Ovation III performance numbers.  I know there is slightly more to it than that, and weight along with design may be slightly limiting factors, but it's paperwork, a new prop governeor, and a new prop. 

Those who know more about this or actually went through it, please comment.

Take care,

-Seth

[gsengle]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

If you can do the 310 hp upgrade, then do it.  I can't confirm what the cost is.  I would recommend Zephyr Aircraft Engines in Zephyrhills, FL.  Where do you live?

[Parker_Woodruff]

Nope you need a new prop and it'll set you back a lot of money.  See Seth's above post.

[gsengle]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

Nope you need a new prop and it'll set you back a lot of money.  See Seth's above post.

[Cris]

This is the part # of the Hartzell 3 bladed metal prop on my Screamin Eagle (310 Hp) installed at time of conversion. I do not know if it is the same as the 280 HP 3 blade Ovation prop. I'd check with Midwest for the definitive answer as I recall there was some discussion as to weather or not one could use an existing Ovation prop (3 blades) but like Parker says you definitely need a three blade for this STC.

Propeller Type: Hartzell 3 bladed prop. #PHC-J3YF/F769DF (B)2

[gsengle]

Quote: Cris

This is the part # of the Hartzell 3 bladed metal prop on my Screamin Eagle (310 Hp) installed at time of conversion. I do not know if it is the same as the 280 HP 3 blade Ovation prop. I'd check with Midwest for the definitive answer as I recall there was some discussion as to weather or not one could use an existing Ovation prop (3 blades) but like Parker says you definitely need a three blade for this STC.

Propeller Type: Hartzell 3 bladed prop. #PHC-J3YF/F769DF (B)2

[Cris]

Assuming that you have or want an Eagle you not only get better performance 2400 RPM (244 Hp) vs 2700 RPM (310 Hp) but an increase in gross weight from 3200 lbs to the Ovations 3368 lbs as well as the Ovations increased fuel capacity ie.75gals to 95gals.  After all the engine/AF is the same.

Personaly, I really wanted an "J" due to the shorter T/O compared to the Ovation but settled for an Eagle with the 310 HP STC. Although not well documented the 310 HP 2700RPM gives one J like performance off the runway which is much better than an Ovation's & a substantially better climb rate if desired. At high altitudes the higher RPM makes sense if you have ANR's )LOL)since you run out of MP around 9K. Think of this STC as a Porsche capable of doing 180 MPH but no one really does that except maybe on the track. It just gives a ton of extra performance if one needs or wants to use it. For me shorter T/O & quicker initial climb are very important. And isn't that what Mooney's are all about?

 

[gsengle]

Quote: Cris

Assuming that you have or want an Eagle you not only get better performance 2400 RPM (244 Hp) vs 2700 RPM (310 Hp) but an increase in gross weight from 3200 lbs to the Ovations 3368 lbs as well as the Ovations increased fuel capacity ie.75gals to 95gals.  After all the engine/AF is the same.

Personaly, I really wanted an "J" due to the shorter T/O compared to the Ovation but settled for an Eagle with the 310 HP STC. Although not well documented the 310 HP 2700RPM gives one J like performance off the runway which is much better than an Ovation's & a substantially better climb rate if desired. At high altitudes the higher RPM makes sense if you have ANR's )LOL)since you run out of MP around 9K. Think of this STC as a Porsche capable of doing 180 MPH but no one really does that except maybe on the track. It just gives a ton of extra performance if one needs or wants to use it. For me shorter T/O & quicker initial climb are very important. And isn't that what Mooney's are all about?

 

[N513ZM]

Quote: gsengle

 

I'm based in MA.  I already have a 3 bladed prop on the Ovation - but I'm assuming not just any prop will do?  Any advantage to doing this concurrent with engine overhaul?