Post '89 M20J GW increase to 2900 lbs. How?

[jmills]

I've read that the post 1989 M20J (and including some '89 models) can have its usable load increased 160lbs from 2740 to 2900. Few questions. How is this done? How long does it take? And what is the cost involved?

Thanks!

[Cruiser]

Parker Woodruff did it on his '90 J. I believe he posted here about issues with the airspeed indicator needing a new face. He posts here regularly, I am sure he will give you details.

[jmills]

Thank you, I found the thread.

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=3&threadid=681

[Parker_Woodruff]

Yeah, you need to get the airspeed indicator re-screened then get some additional paperwork added to the POH.  It was under $800 or so all said and done, and Jimmy Garrison calls it a $3000 improvement.

 

I now have 1035lbs useful load and if I go back to a lightweight starter I'll have about 1045 lbs.

[Piloto]

Keep in mind that the paper 2900 pounds gross weight increase does nothing for the performance of the M20J. If anything it makes the plane letargic above 10,000 feet. If you want real gross weight increase with increased performance you need to do the Missile conversion  http://www.rocketengineering.com/missile/conversion.html. The 2900 paper increase gives you 14.5 ponds/HP while the Missile gives you 10.6pounds/HP. This translate to a 50% increase in climb performance over 10,000 feet for the Missile. In aviation power is everything.

José

 

[Ned Gravel]

Quote: Piloto

The 2900 paper increase gives you 14.5 ponds/HP while the Missile gives you 10.6pounds/HP. This translate to a 50% increase in climb performance over 10,000 feet for the Missile. In aviation power is everything.

José

 

[Earl]

Quote: Piloto

Keep in mind that the paper 2900 pounds gross weight increase does nothing for the performance of the M20J. If anything it makes the plane letargic above 10,000 feet. If you want real gross weight increase with increased performance you need to do the Missile conversion  http://www.rocketengineering.com/missile/conversion.html. The 2900 paper increase gives you 14.5 ponds/HP while the Missile gives you 10.6pounds/HP. This translate to a 50% increase in climb performance over 10,000 feet for the Missile. In aviation power is everything.

José

 

[KSMooniac]

Not to mention Mooney came out with the M20M and M20R, which effectively killed the Rocket/Missile conversion market...

[Piloto]

You can view this debate from a different perspective. A 2740 M20J will out climb a 2900 M20J and even go faster.

José

[RJBrown]

Quote: KSMooniac

Not to mention Mooney came out with the M20M and M20R, which effectively killed the Rocket/Missile conversion market...

[fantom]

Quote: Piloto

...If you want real gross weight increase with increased performance you need to do the Missile conversion  http://www.rocketengineering.com/missile/conversion.html. ...In aviation power is everything.

At about $100 grand it was a little more than $800 for the 2,900 lb. upgrade if and when you use it.

Missiles have their own list of issues. If I heeded the extra 15 or 20 kts, I'd spring for an Ovation. Yes, YMMV, especially depending on what Mooney you now own.

Power you need, and can afford is important, but safety is everything.