C172N Upgrades - what would YOU do?

[Kevin Holbrook]

Looking for instrument / avionics update for my 180hp 172N

Mostly used for hamburger runs, but flown 6-8 times a year for 300-500 NM long weekends / vacations. Mostly VFR trips, but often file IFR to be in the system. Very little IMC - mostly just departing through fog / low clouds.

Currently has 430W + 330ES for ADS-B out, and a panel-mounted Garmin 796 for moving map / MFD / ADS-B traffic and weather.

Both gyros are tired and the vacuum pump is approaching my comfort level for replacing it. Rather than just repair / replace, I want to do some upgrades to include an engine monitor and AP. So here are two possible scenarios:

Aspen E5 $5k + TruTrak $5k + EDM 900 $4k = $14k install myself for free

Full Dynon system with PFD, AP, engine monitor etc $26k installed

Certainly the Dynon offers more integration and capabilities, but not sure I need. The $12k would buy a lot of avgas or other upgrades.

What would YOU do?

 

[Jesse Saint]

I already did it. I would highly recommend the Dynon. If you are a self-install, the Dynon equipment would cost around $15,000

$9,140 Basic 10” System
$1,688 Engine Monitor
$900 ADS-B receiver with antenna
$2,660 Engine monitor
$499 IFR Connectivity Kit
$250-400 Network cables

No comparison in my book. The Dynon is easier to install, too.

 

[denverpilot]

Since you asked what I would do...

Replace the vacuum pump and the gyros. Maybe replace one with solid state.

Sounds like you’re flying enough hard IFR to spent big bucks on a Skyhawk.

A couple thousand bucks fixes it all. Except the desire to upgrade.

 

[asicer]

Brynon Dynon, no question.