Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #61170
From: Berni Breen <bbreen@cableone.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Whats involved in retrofitting IVP to IVPT?
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:42 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Dico:

My normally aspirated non pressurized IV was converted to a turbine about 2 years after I bought it.  The conversion took about a year and cost about 250K all in...engine, prop, belly tank, baggage compartment tank and filler on fuselage, air conditioning, cowl modifications, engine instruments, throttle quadrant and paint.  It would be much more expensive today...I think.  Assuming you use a Walther the engine and Avia prop are reasonably priced.  I believe I paid around 50K.  

I flew it for another 2 years after the conversion.  It was the most awesome airplane I have ever flown.  They will fly 300 KTAS even in the teens.  My only issue was the fuel consumption.  They will use 40 GPH.  If I could afford 40 GPH I would have no other airplane for cross country travel.  Truly awesome!  If your mission is more just to fly than to fly cross country, that 40 GPH might dissuade you from jumping in on a Sunday afternoon to shoot approaches and do some low level sight seeing unless you own a fuel farm.

If you do decide to move forward with a conversion I strongly suggest you contact Lanny Rundell at Southern Air in Winnsboro LA.  He has done this conversion before, is extremely knowledgable and honest as the day is long.

Berni
 
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, Dico Reijers wrote:
Hi All,

I'm just wondering what is all involved in retrofitting an IVP to IVPT.  Someday when AVGas gets scarce or I win a lottery, it might be a nice option to have.  I am guessing this is decision most people make when starting their build but have many people made this change after the fact?  Whats a turbine engine worth now-a-days?

-Dico
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