Mooney M20K 231 ’80

The M20K 231 was the first non-pressurized Turbo Mooney.  Introduced in 1979, the 231 (numbered for it’s top speed) was hailed as the fastest single-engine production aircraft in the world.  It was an instant success and even outsold the ever so popular Mooney 201 during the first two years of production.

For the 231, the Mooney engineers capitalized on the aerodynamic airframe improvements already added to the Mooney 201 by installing an engine with a high horsepower to weight ratio – the Teledyne Continental TSIO 360 GB. This combination of engine and airframe gave Mooney drivers the optimum blend of high altitude flying coupled with incredible speed and performance synonymous with Mooney Aircraft.  The 231 included other improvements such as the NASA air scoop placed in the dorsal for improved cabin ventilation, new wing tips for better slow-speed control and enclosed navigation and strobe lights. 

Mooney subsequently upgraded the GB  engine with the TSIO 360 LB1B which included a redesigned fuel distribution system plus nitrited cylinders, steel belted pistons, and a new rod design that resulted in more efficient power and extended service life.

This 231 was upgraded to the LB engine and recently received a top overhaul.  It just came out of annual and, with the GNS 530W and Century 41 Autopilot to reduce pilot workload, it is ready for your next cross-country flight!