You'll need to analyze your requirements from the airframe (speed vs. useful
load) with the engine. My Warrior fits my mission with the ability to carry
three adults (sometimes 4) and one of the cheaper engines to
maintain/overhaul. In comparison, a friend of mine has a Cherokee 6 300 hp,
cruises 5 knots more than me, and has an engine costing over twice as much
to overhaul ($14K vs $29K). However, he really wants the spacious cabin.

Do what Helen said and check out the overhaul prices. I don't think
Airpower's ad in Trade-A-Plane lists prices anymore so you may need to check
an older copy. Then analyze your mission requirements and crunch some
numbers. Getting a good plane--like having a good marriage--is about
compromising effectively.

Marco Leon

"Slip'er" wrote in message
news:MhoAd.22474$Cl3.13803@fed1read03...
I am going to put a lot of constraints on this question, bear with me. How
much does the size of the engine and airframe contribute to cost of
ownership? I am looking at buying a plane as are many of us. I am stuck
in
the infinite loop of, well if I spend an extra $5K I can get this...but oh
look, another $5K gets me this and WOW for just another $10K I can get
THIS.....repeat. Somethings are obvious, CS prop more maintenance than
fixed prop. Retrac more maintenance than fixed, etc. But, other than
fuel,
is a 180hp much more expensive to maintain than a 160hp or a 115 hp? How
about Continental vs Lycoming vs Franklin vs Ranger radial? I have some
flexibility regarding purchase price. What is more likely to burn me
later
on is month to month expenses This is what a need an sensitivity analysis
on.

Thanks.