I just joined the list and am considering buying a completed Legacy.  I make frequent flights from Oklahoma City to Phoenix.  Our Mooney M20J has the range to make the 720 nm trip non-stop with 1-hr reserve against 25-knot headwinds.  I'd like to retain that capability, but upgrade speed from the Mooney's 150-160 KTAS to 220 KTAS or better.  

 

Questions:

 

I see a service ceiling of 18,000' published by Lancair.  Is that a legally binding limitation?  

 

What's time to climb SL to 12,000' and rate of climb through roughly 8, 12, and 16,000' at max weight?

 

Are the following numbers credible for a 10:1 compression IO-550 with one Light Speed Plasma ignition? 

   KTAS   gph
   263   19.8 (flat out)
   253   17.1
   241   14.5
     :        :
   180    7.8

 

For a fairly stock IO-550N installation (e.g. 8.5:1) at 8,000', what numbers would you see LOP, with and without electronic ignition?

 

Since much of my trip is above 8,000', what would the above performance numbers be at 12, 16, and 18,000'?

 

Apart from keeping CHTs cool, what pilot and maintenance techniques will increase engine life?

 

How many cylinders would I expect to replace in 2000 hours of flying careful LOP?

 

Who does the best pre-purchase inspections?   Currently there appear to be Legacys (Legacies?) for sale in ID, TX, etc.

 

What time-frame did you guys start seeing problems with Performance Engines?  Any thoughts on Lycon engines?