[ghostrider20]

I would do about 25 hours of cross country time and practice your VOR skills etc. But if you know you are going to get your instrument rating get it after this time or ASAP. An instrument rating make you a complete pilot, in the sence you can use all the resources available to us pilots. Scud running, watching for towers, and other planes is no way to fly and enjoy it. Nothing is better then breaking out on top and having a nice worry free flight. Not only that but most GA accidents happen from VFR pilots flying into istrument condition. When I had a new intrument pilot get his rating I always advised them to set personal minimums for themselves and respect them. I would advice say a 500 foot ceiling and 3 miles vis. Shooting an ILS to 200 and 1/4 with my students in actual IMC is far differant then with the fogels. They have the comfort of the instructor.