Just out of curiosity, what are your requirements that you used to narrow down
to these planes? They seem to range the gamut of a couple conflicting requirements
(almost all of them decidedly NOT cheap). Bang for the buck is tough to beat a
Cherokee 140 or 180 if a 172 is adequate.

That said, costs will be huge with a goofy engine. A Cessna 175 seems like a
very undervalued airplane (between a 172 and 182 in size and performance for the same
or less than a 172). The trouble with it was it's oddball GO-300 175 HP engine. Once
they've been converted to a "normal" engine (e.g. O-360 Lyc), they're worth a lot
more.

I'd tend to say that for an older plane like that, the most parts will be had
for cheap on the highest quantity. In particular, the Lycoming O-360 and O-320s.
Continental kept tweaking their engines with minor changes, which means that many
parts are slightly incompatible. The Lycontosaurus didn't go much for incremental
improvements and the parts seem more standardized.

YMMV
-Cory

Malcolm Teas wrote:
: Gee, how's that for an incendiary topic? grin

: In my ongoing quest for a plane, I've narrowed down the types I'm
: looking at. Currently it's down to Stinson, Pacer/Tripacer, Cessna
: 170, 172, 177, and 180, Maule M4, Musketteer, and Bellanca Cruiseair.
: Naturally I need to reduce this list a bit more! Availability will do
: that some, but I'm looking at engines right now.

: A number of them like the Stinson, Bellanca, etc have Franklin
: engines. Others engine types are Cont C-145, Cont O-300, Cont O-470,
: Lyc O-290, Lyc O-360, and Lyc O-435. Yup, some are old types, that's
: my concern.

: Have you had or heard of experiences maintaining some of these older
: engine types? I've heard, for example, that the Franklins are hard to
: find parts for and that this raises overhaul costs. Also, I'd
: appreciate comments on the other engines as well. I've also been told
: that Beech parts are priced with respect to the original sale cost so
: that maintenance the Musketteer is more expensive.

: Comments and info much appreciated!

: Thanks,
: -Malcolm Teas

--
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* The prime directive of Linux: *
* - learn what you don't know, *
* - teach what you do. *
* (Just my 20 USm$) *
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