AG5B -> Mooney

[Don]

I've got a 1991 AG5B and I'm thinking of upgrading to something faster.

I'd like to keep it around 150K

I like the Mooney (both my wife and I are small and light)

What models should I look at (and stear clear of?)

 

[Moonfly201]

Do you live out west and need a turbo? Or, will the added expense of operating a turbo be worth it to you for high altitude operations?

Do you prefer 140 to 150 kts. true on 7 to 9 gal/hr (normally aspirated), or would you prefer higher true airspeeds of 160 to 190 kts (normally aspirated) at fuel flows of 11 to 18 gal/hr.

Also, what is the maximum amount of hours you would like to fly between pit stops?

150K (or less) gives you a lot of options with various Mooneys.

 

[Don]

Do you live out west and need a turbo? Or, will the added expense of operating a turbo be worth it to you for high altitude operations?

Do you prefer 140 to 150 kts. true on 7 to 9 gal/hr (normally aspirated), or would you prefer higher true airspeeds of 160 to 190 kts (normally aspirated) at fuel flows of 11 to 18 gal/hr.

Also, what is the maximum amount of hours you would like to fly between pit stops?

150K (or less) gives you a lot of options with various Mooneys.

No turbo needed I'm in Florida so the expense isn't worth it.

I'd prefer the 160 - 190 Kts at 11 to 18 / hour because I can always run that plane at 145 kts on 9 gal an hour if I pull the porwer back, right??

 

[Moonfly201]

The higher horsepower, normally aspirated Mooney that will get you 170kts to 190kts at higher power settings is the Model M20R, called the Ovation. It was introduced in the mid 1990's, and $150K will only get you a high airframe time, high engine time and likely known damage history aircraft. Most of the M20R's on the market are currently advertised between between $175K and $350K, depending upon year, times and goodies. And you are correct, with this model 145kts on 9 gal/hr is possible.

The best Mooney for your profile, price range and currently available for sale to choose from is the M20J. Initially called the 201, and later the MSE, it is considered by many to be the best of the breed. Normally aspirated, with the 200hp fuel injected Lycoming, $130 to $150K will get you a mid 1980's version with all low times and lots of bells and whistles, or an early 1990's version with higher times and/or missing the extras. The "J" model will get you an honest 160kts at 12gal/hr or with GAMI injectors 140kts to 150kts on 7 to 9 gal/hr.

Good luck.

 

[jball2]

Agreed that the J model is the best. I need to make a point about something posted above. YOU DO NOT PULL THE POWER BACK AND FLY A MOONEY SLOW!!!!!!!!!! They are designed to go fast and have much better cooling when they are moving. You'll burn it up in no time flying at 55-65% power.

75% power in an M20J will give you 160-165kts true depending on the condition of the airplane.

Also-Do not fall for the 3-Bladed prop. You will lose an Honest 10kts from it. More Weight and Drag. 3 blades are not better until you cross the 285HP range. Trust me I learned the hard way!

Good Luck
A Loyal Mooney Man!

 

[Moonfly201]

YOU DO NOT PULL THE POWER BACK AND FLY A MOONEY SLOW!!!!!!!!!! They are designed to go fast and have much better cooling when they are moving. You'll burn it up in no time flying at 55-65% power.

I typically fly my J model at 140kts to 150kts on the LEAN side of peak with the GAMI injectors. My cylinders NEVER get above 325 degrees F in cruise. Usually they are at 275 to 300 degrees. The engine operates so cooly I have to enrich the mixture a touch during descents just to keep the cylinder temps from dropping into the low 200's.

This method of engine management, viable since GAMI's were available, is contrary to the time honored POH rich of peak operating procedures. But it works well for me and many others flying fuel injected engines with engine analyzers. And with 100LL averaging over $3.00/gal, cruising along with a lukewarm engine burning 8 gal/hr, at 145kts true is sweet!

 

[ultrarunner]

You can't go wrong with a 201. I did my instrument rating in one. Great little airplane, and most of the ones that I rented had nice King AP/FD systems in them. KFC 200's if I recall, etc...

Nice little planes.

 

[BoeingBoy]

Keep the Tiger!

Rent a Mooney and see if you like it...stiff little legs and super cramped cabin (especially compared to the Tiger!) I'm 5'4" but to be comfortable with the rudder pedals I sit so close (in a 201) to the panel that it's hard to fly instruments comfortably. The Tiger should give you around 125kts but the time saved by going a little faster is more than offset by the horrible taxi ride and tiny cabin of the Mooney.

Just my 2 cents.
Your mileage may vary.

p.s. If you don't agree, let me know how much you want for the Tiger!

 

[~~~^~~~]

Why limit your search to Mooneys? Have you flown in one?

I agree that the Mooney is a well built airplane and efficient. However there is a equally well built airplane that is just as efficient and a heck of a lot more comfortable... a Beechcraft Bonanza.

The Mooney's efficient, stiff, wing turns everything into a bump and turbulence that is hardly noticeable in my straight tail Bonanza used to have the headsets bouncing off the ceiling in the M20. Then there is the better visibility out of the Beech, more panel room, a normal seating position and wonderfully balanced control forces. The design of the Bonanza transmits much less vibration to the cabin and there is more room in the panel for all the goodies.

If you ever land on grass, the Bonanza is a much better small airport airplane, particularly the lighter, earlier, models. It was designed with such operations in mind and this is part of the airplanes delightful landing characteristics on any runway.

I also happen to really like the Grumman Tiger and have been off and on looking for one. PM me if you are selling yours, or let us know where it is listed.

Of course another option for you is the Cirrus. They seem to be good airplanes and the tax advantages of a new purchase are very good if you are in the income tax bracket to take advantage of them. The used Cirrus on the market are also good values as people are taking the capital gain after 3 years of ownership.

Again, I liked the Mooney, but anything over an hour in that airplane was really uncomfortable. I've flown my 33-35 on 800+ mile round trips and remained comfortable and rested. Bonanza owners also seem to help eachother out a lot with parts, technical issues - we have a great owner's club.

The Bonanza's perform a lot based on horsepower - here are some numbers:

IO470 - 225HP - 150 Knots @ 60% ( 13.0 GPH ), 155 @ 75%
IO470 - 260HP - 155 to 164
IO520 - 285HP - solid 170 to 175
IO550 - 300HP - as much as 190, some claim over 200 KTAS

The Mooney M20C used to turn in 138 to 140 knots ( even with speed mods ) and burned 10 to 11 GPH. The Beech turns in 150 KTAS for another 2.5 GPH in conservative operation. It is well worth the upgrade in my humble opinion.