Upgrade from JPI 700 in 1964 M20E - What is best?

[ElisiumNate]

Hey, everyone! I'm still working through the process of acquiring my Mooney, but, one of the first things I'd like to do is swap out the JPI 700 for a newer engine monitor.  There are so many options -- has anyone replaced a 700 with anything who could give me a quick & dirty breakdown on what it was like, how much had to be replaced/exchanged with new sensors & parts, etc? Maybe the 700 is fine and I should spend the panel money upgrading something else? Just looking for some real world advice.  

Thanks in advance! 

[Ned Gravel]

I find the 700 to be "good enough."  I would prefer a 900, but I am not there yet. 

Got enough issues with having to replace my Narco Mk 12D with an SL 30 (and the associated resolver), and installing a GTX 330 DES to cover all of North American ADSB transponder out requirements.  

[DCarlton]

I installed a 730 a few years ago during an engine overhaul, and like it well enough I wish I had gone all in on a 930.  Maybe you should fly it for a while and make sure all of your gages work reliably. Most often, whenever I’ve planned elective upgrades, something unexpected occurs to dictate my next priority.  

[Fly Boomer]

6 hours ago, ElisiumNate said:

Hey, everyone! I'm still working through the process of acquiring my Mooney, but, one of the first things I'd like to do is swap out the JPI 700 for a newer engine monitor.  There are so many options -- has anyone replaced a 700 with anything who could give me a quick & dirty breakdown on what it was like, how much had to be replaced/exchanged with new sensors & parts, etc? Maybe the 700 is fine and I should spend the panel money upgrading something else? Just looking for some real world advice.  

Thanks in advance! 

As @DCarlton points out, the EDM-730 is the most obvious choice because everything that is currently plugged in to the 700 just plugs in to the 730.  That said, using the word "just" around airplanes frequently leads to surprises.  Let's say the EDM-730 will be easier than any other.

[0TreeLemur]

The EDM900 is primary for essentially everything, letting you remove your tach & MP gauges, and existing instrument cluster.  It gives you one focal point for all things engine related.  I considered the 930, but I like the smaller form factor of the 900.  If you do go this route you'll receive all new probes and sensors.  The old temperature probes and fuel flow senders  will work, but I replaced the old with new ones just because they are new.

[Utah20Gflyer]

I had a 800 and upgraded using a used 830.  There is almost no labor in the switch.  You unplug the 700 and plug in 730 and configure.  
 

Personally I wold either find a used 730 or I would do a primary GI275 EIS.  If you have to spend any significant amount of money I would suggest going to a primary EIS.  

[ArtVandelay]

I had a 800 and upgraded using a used 830.  There is almost no labor in the switch.  You unplug the 700 and plug in 730 and configure.  

Except for the fact you need a bigger hole.

[Aerodon]

Depends what model Mooney and what is installed already.  If it's a basic EDM700, and there's not a lot of panel space, I would just add options - FF, OAT, OT, MP, RPM etc. all the way up to an EDM800.  I can help with transducers, trades etc.

This will be 'plug and play' with an EDM730/830, but two things are harder with this a) panel space, b) the EDM830 has a ferrite filter and heavier gauge power and ground wiring.

Then with almost any Mooney - if you have doubts or problems with any of the OEM gauges or transducers, think seriously about going straight to an EDM900 or 930.

Aerodon

 

 

 

 

[Utah20Gflyer]

58 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Except for the fact you need a bigger hole.

It depends.  In my case my 800 was installed in a 3.125 hole with an adapter.   This could be a factor though depending on current installation and available panel space.  

[Pinecone]

I went from the EDN-700 to 830.   I could not fit a 900 due to lack of space.  Plus, I knew I was going to do a full new panel in a few years.

What was interesting is that my installation had a couple of GEM probes, that used a special connector/adapter, so I needed to buy some new EGT probes, and there was more labor due to having to change the wiring over to a different connector.

I really like the JPI and have gone back and forth over going 900 or Garmin EIS with my new panel.

FYI, technically, to be in compliance with the STC, ALL the sensors/probes have to be replaced with the ones that come with the 900/930, even if the are the same ones, so the install cost may be higher on a 90/930 than an 830

[Echo]

I value having the OEM anologs and original tach and mp in panel.  the 830 on the pilot side of the panel would be a nice upgrade to your existing monitor.

[KSMooniac]

I would fly it for a while first and then plan for de-squawking and upgrading.  The 700 will do the most important functions just fine, but it is pretty close to end-of-life already.  If it failed, the 730 or 830 plug-n-play (sorta) would be the easiest step, but the EDM 900 would be the ultimate step.  I went from 700 to 900 in conjunction with my engine overhaul (2015) and would still choose it today over every other option out there.  I had to use a punch die to enlarge my 2 1/4" hole to 3 1/8" hole on the panel, but it worked.  Someday I'll do a fresh new panel, but I'll keep the 900.

Contact Aerodon for upgrade options as he can set you up nicely!

[Bartman]

I would fly the new plane and see what squawks you find.  I hope you found a great Mooney, and we look forward to seeing the pictures.  But you never know, the JPI-700 may not be high on your priority list in a few weeks.

The quick and dirty upgrade is the 730 or maybe the 830.  I have a 700 and although it is not top-of-the-line it has served me well and I have no urgent need to upgrade.  When the 700 dies I will go with the 900.

[jlunseth]

I went from an old 700 that was in my plane in 2009 to a JPI 930. The improvement in the panel and in the quality of the engine readouts was remarkable. The 930 is certified as primary, so out came all the little strip gauges scattered all over the panel, hidden up underneath the glare shield overhand and some with the bulbs out, and in a 231, the MP gauge, which is critical, and which was way over on the far right of the panel. The 930 went in on the pilot side of the panel where it is in my scan and that has saved my bacon more than once in the 12 or 13 years since it was installed. Unusually engine metrics are seen immediately. In a plane with a smaller panel a 900 would be good. They are investments, because most or all of the sensors need to be changed and there are quite a few, but it was well worth the cost. If I were to do it over again I would look hard at the EI equivalent, which was just being developed back then, but it would have to be really good to beat the JPIs.