68' Cessna 177

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skymac

Well-Known Member
Whats your thoughts on the 68' C177? I have a chance to buy one around $30/34K, IFR cert., and a low time engine with around 400 smoh, its a solid looking plane with 6000tt and a basic autopilot. Just trying to get a feel from people who may have owned one or flown one. It does have the standard 150hp lycoming. Also whats a good price, and a just ok price? I have an idea, i'd just like opinions.... guessing its in midtime annual.
 
In my opinion the Cardinal is a good buy for the money. The O-320 is a built proof engine which every mechanic should know well since they are used in almost every traininer out there. This also makes parts easy to get. You can upgrade the engine to 160hp at its next overhaul with the proper STC. If taken care of you can easily see over 2000 hours on the engine before its next major. What kind of autopilot is in it and what kind of avonic package does it have?
 
The general opinion is that the 150hp versions are underpowered, but it'll do what it'll do so I wouldn't worry about that.

Make sure, however, that it has the slotted stabilator.
 
Most of the 68's have had the engine upgraded. For the kind of money you are talking, I really don't think you can go wrong. It may be gutless compared to a 180hp, but you get what you pay for and your engine is low time, which means a lot value wise. If it looks good and you can get it for 30K, it's a good deal.
 
DE727UPS said:
Most of the 68's have had the engine upgraded. For the kind of money you are talking, I really don't think you can go wrong. It may be gutless compared to a 180hp, but you get what you pay for and your engine is low time, which means a lot value wise. If it looks good and you can get it for 30K, it's a good deal.
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The C-177 is a fine airplane with the 180 hp. I would think long and hard with the O-320.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. I too am worried about the power that its going to have. True, it will fly just fine but when loaded out, I just don't see if being enjoyable to fly one bit. I'm not sure what autopilot is in it, it also has a digital g/s using led lights I believe, im also uneducated when It comes to that. Once I figure out the annual and see if the logs are in order I will know more with what I want to do but im on the fence right now.
 
As one who has several hundred hours in a 177B and previous owner of same, I can say that the 180hp version is a blast to fly, very economical and great looking. When I was looking, I flew several 177A models (150hp) and they are GROSSLY underpowered. I notice that you live in the midwest which will be a plus but if you anywhere hot, high and/or heavy, it will scare the bejesus out of you if you arent careful.
JMHO
 
The 172 with a 150hp 0-320 is terribly underpowered as well. I had to climb mine to 8500 while close to max gross the other day, and it took a good while to get up there, and then it only gets like 105-110 true in cruise.
A 172 with the 180hp engine was with me and actually used a good bit less fuel because it got to altitude lots quicker and cruised at a lower power setting to maintain a higher airspeed.

I'd think long and hard about a 150hp 177. Go fly it once with two people and a 50lb bag, full tanks.
 
Did my instrument ticket in a '68 with the 150hp (it did have the slotted stab). Perfectly good airplane with full tanks and two dudes from 500MSL. I agree, however, with those who suggest that much more weight or much higher up and it starts getting...concerning. That said, for a plane in decent shape with a low time engine, that's a very good price. Just realize that you're not getting a four place "SUV with wings". PS. Even with the O-320, it'll walk (ok crawl) away from a late model 172. Not enough speed difference to make much out of in the Greater Scheme, but between that and making a 172 look like a burkah, the Cardinal wins the Ramp Presence contest hands down.
 
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