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  #1  
Old 07-05-2017, 02:18 PM
punkin punkin is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 276
Default Can a propeller make me happy? (FP 150hp O-320 options)

I bought a flying RV6 with o-320 150hp, solid crank. It had a Sensenich metal prop on it...70CM 77 pitch. I couldn't get more than 2150rpm static. It was fast though.

Replaced prop with sterba 68x72. Now I get static 2300 or so, but barely hit 2500 in cruise at 8k DA.

It's going to be hard to compare speeds with anyone as I have 21" desser mini tundras, no wheel pants, and VGs...but I feel like if I had a prop that would spin up more, I'd get off the short strips faster, and maybe not lose much top end (if I could turn 2700+ rpm)

I could scrape the $ for a Catto...but I'd hate to do it and be bummed. Everyone talks about CS being the bomb, but $12k+ for an MT electric isn't gonna happen.

Prince claims the flexi-pitch thing, Whirlwind and Sensenich both have their GA options that would at least let me play...

I guess I'm like lots of others, I don't want to kiss $3-5k dollars away and get a "meh" difference.

Engine is low-ish time, about 700hrs. I don't particularly care to go HP pistons and stuff--I run MOgas cheap right now...if I replaced this engine, I'd still probably look at a low-comp o-360 with CS capability...but if I had $30k to dump into that I'd be looking at a different airplane!

Can I get good short field performance out of a 1094lb RV6 with 5k ft field elevation and a 150hp engine? Am I expecting too much (probably). Is GA a viable option?

Thoughts from those of you who've been there? I've read all the threads on the GA stuff, I've read SmokyRay's excellent writeups on props...I've read all the go-fast stuff, but my airplane is a lot draggier than most...

Any rock I've failed to turn over? Anything staring me in the face I can't see?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 07-05-2017, 02:39 PM
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Larco Larco is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: DVT Phoenix
Posts: 1,187
Default

Have you considered having the Sensenich re pitched? maybe by 2inches, talk to the prop shop, I'm sure they would know. Might be the least expensive way to go?? It's been done before with good results.
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Last edited by Larco : 07-05-2017 at 02:41 PM.
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  #3  
Old 07-05-2017, 04:17 PM
punkin punkin is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 276
Default I didn't repitch

I sold it, because if it was repitched enough I figured the 2600 restriction would just frustrate me...and then I would have a prop few would want.

I realize it's different. Sure wish I had a CS option. Seems like the silver bullet...

MT is crazy $$, IVO doesn't seem to have people raving about them, and I don't want to fall out of the sky...

It's almost a shame (knock on wood) that my engine is so strong and smooth...doesn't leak oil, uses a little over a quart between oil changes, maybe two if I push it hard.

I've sold my wife on a prop, if I say the E word, she'll probably hurt me.
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  #4  
Old 07-05-2017, 04:26 PM
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Dbro172 Dbro172 is offline
 
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Location: West Fargo, ND
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I sold a Catto two blade prop to a guy with a 150hp RV-6, he swapped it for his original metal sensi. I recall that he was very pleased with the improved performance. It was a 70x70 http://www.mykitlog.com/users/catego...&category=8567

The whirlwind or sensi GA would be very similar to the Catto.
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  #5  
Old 07-05-2017, 04:45 PM
humptybump humptybump is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,179
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I have a Catto 2-blade 70x70 with nickel edges on a 150hp. I've been happy with it from my 1900' grass strip, even headed toward the trees end.

When I sell it later this year, I'll be using another Catto.
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  #6  
Old 07-05-2017, 04:54 PM
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L'Avion L'Avion is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Memphis
Posts: 159
Default Prince Props

Take a look at: http://princeaircraft.com/

When I rebuilt my RV-3, I sent the worst looking old wooden prop in the world to Lonnie to refinish & balance. He did such a great job that most people think that it's a metal prop.

I tried 4 different props on my VariEze, before I tried one of Prince's P-Tips - got amazing performance from it.

Barney in Memphis
RV-3 & RV-4
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  #7  
Old 07-05-2017, 05:55 PM
Clint B Clint B is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hot Springs SD
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  #8  
Old 07-05-2017, 06:07 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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When you say you want something that "spins up" more, are you talking static RPM on the ground or in the air?

With FP props, you typically see between 2100 and 2200 RPM static.
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  #9  
Old 07-05-2017, 06:52 PM
punkin punkin is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 276
Default Ok...bear with my analogy...

Perhaps my thinking is all wrong. In my mind, if I was talking about a car, I need a "lower gear". My first prop was like driving in 5th gear all the time...it got fast (eventually) without weighing the engine down much, but took forever to get going.

This prop "winds up" (more static RPM) more than the first prop, but I still can't get anywhere near engine redline at 8k DA.

So, in my car guy mind, I still need a "lower gear". Wouldn't that in theory give me more static RPM, better climb, and higher revs (use the full engine capability) at cruise altitudes?

Obviously I don't want to be turning 3200rpm at 8k feet, but if I was capable of 2700...I'd get more out of the engine than the 2500 I get now.

Or am I all wet? My hope is that even if I have to burn a little more fuel to do it, I can get a more useful RPM band out of my engine. Climb quickly, and the extra RPM up high make up for some of the speed lost from pitch change?

I think I'm saying the same thing over and over, but to me, the propeller is just the magic fan on the end of the engine...I know there is way more to the dynamics of flight than that...but I think in general I know what I want to achieve, I just don't know how to get there.

I was messaging back and forth with Nicole from Catto about a used prop they have for sale, but I'm assuming they are taking some (well deserved) holiday time off because I haven't heard back from her since Friday.

Thanks guys
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1995 RV-4 bought from original builder
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  #10  
Old 07-05-2017, 08:08 PM
Jrskygod Jrskygod is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Edinburg, TX
Posts: 617
Default

Easy Peasy - Sensenich or Whirlwind ground adjustable propeller. End of problem!!!
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