What is worth doing to a C172 these days?

[wrenches and radios]

Just looking at resale value here.
It's '79 with the H2AD engine. Would the Centurion engine be worth it? Or is the Penn Yan conversion better?
It has a old clunker of a Nav/Com so is a 430 or a good used KX155 plus say a 155xl a better option.
Does a slaved compass system raise the value any? Say a good used NSD360? or a new Aspen?
Lastly the ADF. Just extra weight or still worth something?

[Expat]

I just sold mine, a '64, with the continental engine. If I had kept it, I was considering the diesel conversion, and a good GPS COM conversion. Navcoms are useless, as well as the ADF. I have no idea about the resale value, but the fun would have increased and cost of operation would have gone down...

[Hedley]

It depends upon how the 172 is going to be used. If someone is going to fly it IFR, then yes, a G430 and and an HSI and an autopilot (heading and altitude) will make a BIG difference to them.

If someone is going to fly it VFR, heck even the KX155 (I like that radio) is overkill because VFR pilots never use VOR's any more - everyone just uses portable GPS's for VFR nav. For VFR, all you really need is a good intercom, good 760 channel digital comm, transponder and encoder. Anything else (eg ADF) is wasted space, weight and money.

re: engine - I am not a fan of the H2AD. I think a parallel-valve Lyc O-360 (180hp) is a huge improvement to the 1976-1979 172, but I don't know if the selling prices really reflect it. What does trade-a-plane say? In my experience you want to fly at least 500 hours to get your value out of any upgrades you make to your airplane (G430, engine overhaul) because as a rule of thumb, every $5000 you spend on an airplane only increases it's value $2500. Gotta fly the hours off to get the remaining value, IMHO.

[Bede]

You NEVER get the value out of putting equipment in an airplane. The only thing you can potentially get more than your monies worth is a brand new paint job (if the paint is really old). A new engine will get you about what you put into it. If you're a buyer. Get the best airplane you can afford- that will be far cheaper in the long run than buying crap and trying to upgrade it.

[Beefitarian]

Expat I'm facinated with the idea of a diesel conversion. How costly is it for a 172. It's probably a silly idea in a way because a 182 would be much more usefull to me once the kids get bigger and therefore heavier. Still I think it would be pretty cool.

[wrenches and radios]

The diesel is 40,000 euros plus install. there is only one place in Canada to get it installed and that is in BC.

[co-joe]

Myself I think the 155 is lame. The 430 is just way more cool. All that colour, moving map, larger screens etc. 155 is adequate but treat yourself here.

What about wheel pants? Don't they add 5 kts pretty cheaply?

[Beefitarian]

The diesel is 40,000 euros plus install. there is only one place in Canada to get it installed and that is in BC.

There you go, and I'd need a plane to put it in. Would be pretty nice to run though I think.

[Goodwrench]

In regards to the Centurion aka Thielert diesel conversion, I would suggest one should do some research into this option before jumping in. To invest over $50K in an engine, plus installation, then consider that that engine is lifed at 1,000 hours. (not overhaul, just send yours back to Germany and they will send you a new $$ engine) Also consider at this time you will be investing in a new clutch, gearbox and possibly a fuel pump(s) each 300 hours of operation. Another idea would be to browse through the applicable airworthiness directives issued against this engine and take a look at the maintenance schedule. I know this engine is good at burning very little jet-a, however in my opinion, you can buy a whole lot of avgas plus maintain your existing engine quite well with that same money.

[Goodwrench]

duplicate post
GW

[2R]

Whats wrong with tremclad and duct tape ?
Leave the experimental engine stuff for test pilots with parachutes,Get a factory engine or an overhaul from a decent shop .Stick to the factory proven safe stuff.
Leave the experimental engine to those who are good at gliding

[CpnCrunch]

Not sure I would trust Thielert after everything that has happened. Diamond ditched them and is using Austro Engine instead. I'd recommend waiting a few years to see how it all pans out.

[moocow]

Or wait a bit and see what's going on with Deltahawk. I can't tell if there's a transmission in their photos and drawings. Also, they are quoting TBO around 2000.

http://www.deltahawkengines.com/

[sheephunter]

With a pile of 172's on the market, I would tend to keep the aircraft as cheaply priced as possible so potential buyers could spend their money on what they wanted instead of buying or paying for something that someone else thought they should have. Everyone has their own idea of what is need or what money spent is most worthy of the purpose of the aircraft. Moreso with aircraft purchased to work in the bush. Kinda like putting a swimming pool in your yard for resale. You might like it, it might look good but the most interested potential buyer won't pay your asking price because of the cost to fill it in with dirt. Just my opinion.

[Dash-Ate]

Just keep adding to your overhaul fund where it counts, and go easy on the $100 hamburgers

This is all you need:

[kiloindiapapa]

Nothing......put your money into maintenance and gas. Just enjoy flying. Another 4 knots will not matter is a 3-4 hour flight.

The 430 is nice and I like mine but would never put one in another plane. The map is simply not detailed enough. A nice 296 or new aera will do just as much save for the IFR approach stuff. I dont do Ifr so it is too much for my plane but it is cool.

[Hedley]

Absolutely! Unless you're IFR, the 430/530 are VERY expensive and don't deliver the same bang for the buck as the latest VFR portable GPS's. Just make sure you wire them for aircraft power, and that the antenna has a clear view.

[Rowdy]

A hardwired 296 is pretty fanastic for VFR.. the 430/530 for IFR..

[Shiny Side Up]

You NEVER get the value out of putting equipment in an airplane. The only thing you can potentially get more than your monies worth is a brand new paint job (if the paint is really old). A new engine will get you about what you put into it. If you're a buyer. Get the best airplane you can afford- that will be far cheaper in the long run than buying crap and trying to upgrade it.

+1

In terms of pure re-sale value a paintjob is probably the best money to spend on an old Cessna. The only other things would be spend a bit on the interior which boosts the resale value a lot, especially if that royalite they trimmed the insides with has seen a lot of sun and vibration. Lots of the panel trim, dash and side pockets can be replaced for relatively cheap, but make a big impression on a buyer.