C-172R to SP upgrade

"Greg Farris" wrote in message
...
More knowledgable people here will correct me, but from what I know, the
only difference between a 172-R and a 172-SP, besides the leather seats,
is the prop on the SP, running at a slightly higher speed.This produces
a significant performance difference between the two.

Is it possible therefore to "upgrade" a 172R to SP performance?
I am not referring to some aftermarket cruise prop, and I am only
interested in approved modifications (Cessna approved or STC'd).

Thanks in advance,

G Faris


You may want to look into the new powerflow exhausts. I spoke with a guy
who did the exhaust mod along with some service from Lycoming that cleans up
the engine a bit. His claims for his Tiger were fairly unbelievable, but it
was clear he thought it was some of the best money he ever spent.

PS

I have heard from more than one person, including a Cessna rep that R models
actually cruise faster than S models. I dunno whether this is the weight or
the prop.

Just in case you wanted the extra speed rather than the load, climb or
altitude.

In article , says...

I have heard from more than one person, including a Cessna rep that R models
actually cruise faster than S models. I dunno whether this is the weight or
the prop.

Just in case you wanted the extra speed rather than the load, climb or
altitude.


Yeah, that was my idea. I think Cessna gives something like 122KTAS for the
172R - but I have never been able to get it to go that fast in level flight.
110 or a pinch above is more typical, and that sort of cuts into the
usefulness for a plane that is otherwise very well appointed and quite
comfortable.

I thought the 180hp SP would be faster. It would be nice to at least break the
2nm/min mark in cruise.

G Faris