67E Wing Tip Mod and New Top Prop

[flight2000]

I finally got the chance to make a very short trip back to the states for a conference and stopped in on my plane that is still at Fort Leavenworth.  Since last August, I've had to replace the prop and I added the wing tip mod that LASAR produces.  The tips will be getting a new coat of blue paint when we get a chance to run it over to the paint shop in the next few months.  Here's photos of the new stuff. 

The wing tips are more for apperances, but the new prop is awesome.  It added 500 feet in the climb, 5 knots in cruise, and shortened the takeoff roll.  I'm impressed!! Oh, and it got rid of that pesky hub AD... The old prop was starting to leak and needed to be overhauled, so I just decided to bite the bullet and go with the new prop.

Brian

[rbridges]

I've got the wing tip mod, too.  It's pretty cool looking, but like you said, it's more for appearances.  Be careful putting your plane in the hangar, those tips make those long wings even longer.

I didn't realize the prop made that much difference.  I read their specs, and they seemed to avoid making any performance gain promises.

[rbridges]

btw, that is one sweet plane, inside and out.

[flight2000]

Thanks Rob!  I have like 3" on each side going into the hangar, so I take my time putting the plane to bed.  Once the new hangars are done, I'll have more clearance to manuever.

I was surprised at how fast she was in cruise with the new prop.  The CFI I use and has 1,000's of hours in Mooney's told me she picked up about 6-7 mph, which I didn't beleive until I went and flew for myself.  He was right.  Should never have doubted him... 

He is one of three pilots I trust to give the old gal some excercise a couple of times a month while I'm here in Germany.

Brian

[aerobat95]

Awesome looking bird....glad you had a chance to take her out and fly.  Who did you have do the wingtips??

[flight2000]

We have a new mechanic working for Leavenworth Aviation Services at KFLV.  He's been an A&P for 37+ years and an IA for the last 20 if I remember correctly.  Very deliberate with everything he does. 

I was impressed with the repairs he made to an old Taylorcraft taildragger after the pilot dipped a wing and took out a landing light.  It's a fabric airplane and you cannot tell were the impact was on the leading edge.

Brian

[DaV8or]

Quote: flight2000

I finally got the chance to make a very short trip back to the states for a conference and stopped in on my plane that is still at Fort Leavenworth.  Since last August, I've had to replace the prop and I added the wing tip mod that LASAR produces.  The tips will be getting a new coat of blue paint when we get a chance to run it over to the paint shop in the next few months.  Here's photos of the new stuff. 

The wing tips are more for apperances, but the new prop is awesome.  It added 500 feet in the climb, 5 knots in cruise, and shortened the takeoff roll.  I'm impressed!! Oh, and it got rid of that pesky hub AD... The old prop was starting to leak and needed to be overhauled, so I just decided to bite the bullet and go with the new prop.

Brian

[flight2000]

Sort of.  Still have a placard for this: "No cont. ops. above 24" btwn. 2350 and 2550 rpm" (applies to M20E & M20F only).  In cruise at 7K and above, it's a non-issue since we can't get above 24" MP without a Turbo Normalizer or straight turbo.  Just down low that you have to pay attention to it.  Certainly not as restrictive as the old one.

Brian

[1970m20e]

[Oscar Avalle]

Really cool looking plane. I am particurlarly impressed with what you are telling us about the new prop. I am seriously considering that upgrade in the near future.

 

[ToddDPT]

Our J is getting the Top Prop put on in the next couple of weeks. They were running special pricing which actually made it comparable to the OEM prop that most have.  I will give PIREPS when I get mine. 

[FloridaMan]

Quote: flight2000

Sort of.  Still have a placard for this: "No cont. ops. above 24" btwn. 2350 and 2550 rpm" (applies to M20E & M20F only).  In cruise at 7K and above, it's a non-issue since we can't get above 24" MP without a Turbo Normalizer or straight turbo.  Just down low that you have to pay attention to it.  Certainly not as restrictive as the old one.

Brian

[flight2000]

The placard came with the paperwork.  It's written in the POH for it as well, which I might say is rather nice compared to my little aircraft owners manual.  You sure you have a Top Prop on there and not another Hartzell varient that has a newer hub?  My tach needed a new face put on when I did the conversion because of the newer markings.  I'd take a closer look at that.

http://www.hartzellprop.com/top_prop_details.php?id=104

Brian

[FloridaMan]

I've got a newer hub, not a Top Prop. I was under the impression that the 24" limitation was for the airplane and not the prop. I run my plane wide open at lower altitudes sometimes on short trips. 

[flight2000]

I normally run wide open too, so down low I just run it at whatever MP and 2600 RPM and all is well...

Brian

[rbridges]

Quote: flight2000

I normally run wide open too, so down low I just run it at whatever MP and 2600 RPM and all is well...

Brian

[flight2000]

Anywhere from 1.5-3k AGL, I used to run 25 squared, but that changed with the new prop. Now it's around 23/25 to keep it at least close to the green arc.  I've rarely deviated from 2500 rpm because my engine is happy running there and has the least amount of vibration. Granted, it's not a lot to begin with, but it feels smoother there.

Brian

[rbridges]

Quote: flight2000

Anywhere from 1.5-3k AGL, I used to run 25 squared, but that changed with the new prop. Now it's around 23/25 to keep it at least close to the green arc.  I've rarely deviated from 2500 rpm because my engine is happy running there and has the least amount of vibration. Granted, it's not a lot to begin with, but it feels smoother there.

Brian

[FloridaMan]

I believe the IO360 is balanced for 2500RPM. I wonder if the RPM limitation has to do with the cooling performance of the stock E/F cowling since, as I understand it, aside from the cowling and windshield, the E/F and J from the firewall forward are not significantly different.