Turbo M20F vs 231

[chrisk]

Given two planes with similar equipment, would you prefer a M20F turbo, or a M20K 231? I'm torn. I like the speed of the 231, but the on going costs of the M20F should be less. And it should be easier to land on soft fields with the M20F.

But to make it tougher, the 231 is $10K more, but it has a nice auto pilot.

[Greg_D]

With only a $10K delta between the two, the 231 is a much better deal, assuming the planes are in similar condition.

[rbridges]

With only a $10K delta between the two, the 231 is a much better deal, assuming the planes are in similar condition.

heck yeah. If the specs (SMOH, TTAF, etc are similar), the 231 is a better deal even without the AP. With the AP, it's a no brainer. This is assuming everything else being similar.

[N601RX]

I'm having a hard time believing both planes are in equal condition with the price difference only 10k. For those prices I would expect the F to be top notch and the K to be in need of some work.

[rbridges]

I tend to agree. Worth noting, also, is that the 231 will probably cost noticably more to own and operate. Higher fuel burn, turbo runs all of the time, autopilot, intercooler?, waste gate?, two more cylinders, more expensive gyros?, more redundant systems? The 231 might also have less useful load? On second thought, as is always the case, which one is best depends on your mission, I guess.

exactly. A brand new ferrari for $50,000 isn't a good deal if you can't afford it.

[John Pleisse]

I like the turbo F. I like a Lyc and I like a system you can just turn off whenever you want. All of the Rayjay parts are common and available. Two things, you should be able to find one in the upper $50's to low $60's. Any early 231 for that price will require much attention. Second, 231's are far and away better equipped, so it's apples and oranges. Unless you find a Turbo F with recent engine and turbo, an Aspen and an Stec AP. There was an Dr. from Arizona here on Mooenyspace who had such a plane and traded up to a Baron. See if you can find his old gallery for pic's. Great plane. Search "turboexec".

[chrisk]

I tend to agree. Worth noting, also, is that the 231 will probably cost noticably more to own and operate. Higher fuel burn, turbo runs all of the time, autopilot, intercooler?, waste gate?, two more cylinders, more expensive gyros?, more redundant systems? The 231 might also have less useful load? On second thought, as is always the case, which one is best depends on your mission, I guess.

It's an older 231 with the GB engine, no intercooler, auto waste gate, serviceable avionics, and a mid time engine with good comresssions (73 - 76). And yes, operational cost is a consideration.

On the other hand, the M20F does seem to have a few things going for it. As you mentioned, the turbo does not run all the time. There is considerably more clearance on the propeller. --So the ocasional grass field landing should have a lower probability of a prop strike. And the engine has lower time.

[chrisk]

I just checked and you were right. The OEM K propellor diameter is 76 inches and the OEM F propellor diameter is 74 inches, so assuming their crankshafts are mounted on the same plane the F should have 1 inch more prop clearance. That is a big assumption, though. Does anyone know for sure how the prop clearances compare?

Jim

I used a highly scientific method to measure prop clearance. My foot, when placed upright, fits under a M20F propeller. It doesn't even come close with a M20K.

[FoxMike]

chrisk,

I have no idea what you envision your airplane's mission to be but here is my experience. I owned an E model and equipped it with a RayJay. It worked ok but was not the best. I live in the Rockies so I operate higher than many. The induction system of the RayJay was not good nor was the oil cooling. I did a huge project and redesigned the induction system and moved and changed to a larger oil cooler. I had good results and the local FSDO gave me a one time STC. About then the 231 was flying. After riding in the 231 I decided what I had was ok but Lo Presti had a better product. If it were my decision I would go for the 231. My wingman owns one and likes it. He has had very little trouble during his +/- 20 years of ownership. I would say the biggest drawback to turbos is pushing the throttle too hard. The 231 is not as good in grass as an F so if you live on a grass strip you should consider that. If you operate either on grass you need to donuts often. BTW I currently have an M model. Good luck in your decision.

Walt

[chrisk]

chrisk,

I have no idea what you envision your airplane's mission to be but here is my experience. I owned an E model and equipped it with a RayJay. It worked ok but was not the best. I live in the Rockies so I operate higher than many. The induction system of the RayJay was not good nor was the oil cooling. I did a huge project and redesigned the induction system and moved and changed to a larger oil cooler. I had good results and the local FSDO gave me a one time STC. About then the 231 was flying. After riding in the 231 I decided what I had was ok but Lo Presti had a better product. If it were my decision I would go for the 231. My wingman owns one and likes it. He has had very little trouble during his +/- 20 years of ownership. I would say the biggest drawback to turbos is pushing the throttle too hard. The 231 is not as good in grass as an F so if you live on a grass strip you should consider that. If you operate either on grass you need to donuts often. BTW I currently have an M model. Good luck in your decision.

Walt

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for.

As for the grass strip vs paved. I plan to operate out of paved 99% of the time. Having said that, I like the ability to visit a grass strip with out worrying about a prop strike.

[DaV8or]

You where all this is going don't you? You're attracted to the low price of the F, but you really want the 231. When you get the 231, you'll wish you had a 252. Eventually you get the 252, but shortly thereafter, the desire for an Ovation sets in. With the Ovation in the hangar, you think, "If only I had held out for an Acclaim..." Soon after, you realize you're ready to simplify your life and slow down a bit and trade for a Cub on floats. This is the plane your heirs have to dispose of.

Life has been good...

[carusoam]

Hopefully the kids are out of the house before the final sale has to occur!

Best regards,

-a-