G500TXI upgrade

[Larry]

I have a J with a G500 (legacy) and am considering changing to the TXI.  My left panel was changed a few years ago and I asked them to cut the hole for the TXI, then ring it to the existing G500.   I've heard it's a simple upgrade and had shops say the it's 40 hours.  Does anyone have experience in the net cost of the upgrade?  What about the G500 value to the shop or ???   

Thanks!

[Marc_B]

@Larry I upgraded my G500, GTN750, and GTN650 with the install of a GFC500 + G5.  Shop didn't want the ESI500 standby that was in the aircraft, but took the legacy Garmin equipment in trade for discount.  I think that Sarasota quotes 9.5k for the upgrade (edit: this doesn't include labor).  Unfortunately I don't have the exact amount for a simple switch of the GDU.  But I do think that some parts can be reused with the upgrade.  My shop switched everything so mine came with new ARHS/ADS/GMU44.  But backtracking things out I think I was around (edit) more like 14k with install costs...but new panel and lots of other work really blurs what would be charged with just a swap/rewire.  Mine included previous enablements and new equipment.

I'd recommend reaching out to your avionics shop for an estimate.  I used Advanced AeroTech Group and I'm sure they'd help you with an install and estimate.

[LANCECASPER]

45 minutes ago, Larry said:

I have a J with a G500 (legacy) and am considering changing to the TXI.  My left panel was changed a few years ago and I asked them to cut the hole for the TXI, then ring it to the existing G500.   I've heard it's a simple upgrade and had shops say the it's 40 hours.  Does anyone have experience in the net cost of the upgrade?  What about the G500 value to the shop or ???   

Thanks!

@donkaye upgraded his from the G500 to the G500TXi.

[201Mooniac]

I upgraded mine when the TXi first came out.  For me it was a lot of work as when the G600 was installed with the GNS 430s there wasn't HSDB and when the TXi went in it was with GTNs so there was a lot of rewiring and a new panel.  Really depends on the exact configuration you are starting with.  In my case I reused the AHRS, ADC, and magnetometer.  You can also get the internal ADAHRS with the TXi so that would change some things as well.

[Larry]

Thanks.  I'm trying to get an idea how much labor is involved with the actual swap.  Most people do the swap with other installation work.  This of course goes with the thought that Garmin should be replacing the TXI with a TXII or whatever.  Probably announcing two days after I order.

Larry

[Marc_B]

For what’s its worth, G3X is older than G500TXi and still no G4X or G3Xi…so I say the G500TXi is a great piece of equipment and for me WAY more user friendly and capable than the legacy. For me no regrets or disappointment 

[kortopates]

I went through the upgrade as well but also i installed the GFC-500 with a GI-275 at the same time which was the bigger labor cost.
Well worth it though going to the touch screen and added features; especially VNAV.


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[donkaye]

On 12/16/2024 at 1:35 PM, Larry said:

I have a J with a G500 (legacy) and am considering changing to the TXI.  My left panel was changed a few years ago and I asked them to cut the hole for the TXI, then ring it to the existing G500.   I've heard it's a simple upgrade and had shops say the it's 40 hours.  Does anyone have experience in the net cost of the upgrade?  What about the G500 value to the shop or ???   

Thanks!

I checked back on my upgrade from the G500 to the G500TXi.  I was charged 11 hours labor.  There was also the charge for the new panel and power coating and painting it.  Garmin gave an exchange discount of several thousand dollars if you sent your old G500 back to them.  The Hardware net cost was $11,450.  11 hours at $80/hour (6 years ago when labor was cheaper) =$880.  Since you don't have to have a new panel made, you don't have those costs.

[StevenL757]

On 12/16/2024 at 3:35 PM, Larry said:

Thanks.  I'm trying to get an idea how much labor is involved with the actual swap.  Most people do the swap with other installation work.  This of course goes with the thought that Garmin should be replacing the TXI with a TXII or whatever.  Probably announcing two days after I order.

Larry

Am flying trips until 12/24 so I don’t have access to my install docs, but I seem to remember planning for somewhere in the 15-hour range for labor, which didn’t include a required new panel cut.  The TXi footprint is completely different than the legacy G500.  Done 2 so far, and didn’t regret for one second spending the extra $ for the TXi over the G3X Touch.  So much more functionality, interoperability/interconnectivity, along with better screen resolution…to name a few things.