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  #1  
Old 12-21-2018, 12:39 PM
Ed_Wischmeyer's Avatar
Ed_Wischmeyer Ed_Wischmeyer is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 1,301
Default Bought a constant speed prop for the -9A

Found a good deal on a Hartzell in a prop shop, fresh overhaul, AD-free, all that. Van's just got an order for the spinner, governor, bracket, and cable. Hopefully that's all I need, and I've got a good supply of hardware for the little stuff.

Expectations:
* Much better takeoff and climb performance because I'll get all 160 HP instead of 70 - 80% power that I get now;
* Better descent and shorter landing with more prop drag. And with less float in the flare, I might change my crosswind landing speeds -- right now, if I increase speed for winds and gusts, I just float longer;
* 2700 RPM redline vs 2600 RPM with the current prop;
* Less fussing with power in up and downdrafts, both X-C (think west Texas) and on an ILS.

Nothing wrong with the Sensenich prop that's on there now, the new prop is just a different compromise.

BTW, the Sensenich prop has about 600 hours and is in great shape. It, and the spinner, will be for sale after I get the c/s on.

Merry Christmas to me! and to all y'all,

Ed
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RV-9A at KSAV (Savannah, GA; dual G3X Touch with autopilot, GTN650, GTX330ES, GDL52 ADSB-In)
Previously RV-4, RV-8, RV-8A, AirCam, Cessna 175
ATP CFII PhD, so I have no excuses when I screw up
2020 dues slightly overpaid
Retired - "They used to pay me to be good, now I'm good for nothing."
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  #2  
Old 12-21-2018, 01:42 PM
chipf chipf is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 179
Default

Do you expect any cowling work?

I like my Catto three blade, but I'm thinking that if I could do it over I would install a constant speed prop.
After 600 hours I'm finally learning how to avoid too much float!
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RV-9A N207LT
680 hrs

cfrv9aproject.blogspot
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  #3  
Old 12-21-2018, 02:05 PM
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scard scard is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cedar Park, TX
Posts: 3,156
Default

We have always loved ours. Having that little bit of warp drive sure does come in handy sometimes (often!).
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CQ Headset by Card Machine Works
CMW E-Lift
RV-9A N4822C flying 2200+hrs. / Cedar Park, TX
RV8 Building - fuselage / showplanes canopy (Done!)
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  #4  
Old 12-21-2018, 02:28 PM
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airguy airguy is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Garden City, Tx
Posts: 5,145
Default

Absolutely love the constant speed prop on my 9A, running a Whirlwind.
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Greg Niehues - SEL, IFR, Repairman Cert.
Garden City, TX VAF 2020 dues paid
N16GN flying 700 hrs and counting; IO360, SDS, WWRV200, Dynon HDX, 430W
Built an off-plan RV9A with too much fuel and too much HP. Should drop dead any minute now.
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  #5  
Old 12-21-2018, 02:29 PM
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MS19087 MS19087 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: West Chester, PA
Posts: 689
Default CS on RV9

I put a Whirlwind 151 CS Prop on my -9A 2 years ago . . . wow, its a different airplane now. I had a WW Ground Adjustable prop which was also great - but the CS has many advantages. I am running an IO-320 with high compression cylinders and dual P-mags - probably putting out about 170HP - Amazing take-off and climb, super smooth (3 bladed prop) and my high end even improved a knot or two. I can come into the pattern at 140kts (if no one in front of me) - slow to 80kts abeam the numbers, put in full flaps and set up for a nice stable landing over the fence at 60 kts. Very pleased with this upgrade . . .
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RV-9A; Sold
RV-14A; Building
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  #6  
Old 12-21-2018, 06:37 PM
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Bayou Bert Bayou Bert is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Prairieville, LA
Posts: 221
Default Right Crankshaft?

Ed, I have the Hartzel CS on my O-320 in my 9A.
Do you know if you have the right crank for CS?
I had to change out the crank to one with the cross tube on front
end of crank. Without cross tube in the crank, power changes caused
major rpm surges.
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RV-9A ?Pearl?
Working on Instrument ticket
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  #7  
Old 12-22-2018, 09:08 AM
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scottmillhouse scottmillhouse is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Madison, AL
Posts: 338
Default Been there done that

You will love the change to CS. My opinion it is a perfect fit for the 9 with it's wide speed range. I made the swap with my 9A back in 2008. Swap should be a no brainer with cowl matching up perfectly but there appears to still be governor installation issues. You will note more nose weight but well within range and you can then never go aft CG unless you greatly exceed baggage weights.

I miss the CS so much that I'm building a 7A now that I have a medical back. I'm currently doing the governor installation on the 7A. Do note that the VA-153 governor control bracket, unlike the rest of van's kit does not fit. After 10 years or more out there you still have to egg out the holes to mount and the governor arm is too close for the attach hardware specified. It is well documented here on VAF. I have put in a question to Vans for their solution before I modify or build my own bracket as many others have.
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Scott- 2020 donation
New RV-7A N579RV, only 80 hours now without 2020 fly-in destinations
Built RV-12, 328 hours-sold, purchased RV-12 sold, Built RV-9A, 536 hours-sold, Not completed RV-7 sold, Built Kitfox sold
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  #8  
Old 12-22-2018, 10:37 AM
guccidude1 guccidude1 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Reno NV
Posts: 542
Default Bought a constant speed prop for the -9A

I've often wished I had a CS prop on my -9A with IO-360. How are ya'll dealing with the extra poundage on the nose? Dan from Reno
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  #9  
Old 12-22-2018, 10:51 AM
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Brantel Brantel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newport, TN
Posts: 7,496
Default

Love my CS!

You can get close to 100% of the possible HP. Don’t forget about loss of HP with altitude. At my field I can get 92-93% at TO.
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Check out my RV-10 builder's BLOG
RV-10, #41942, N?????, Project Sold
---------------------------------------------------------------------
RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
Lyc. O-360 carbed, HARTZELL BA CS Prop, Dual P-MAGs, Dual Garmin G3X Touch
Track N159SB (KK4LIF)
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Last edited by Brantel : 12-22-2018 at 11:21 AM.
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  #10  
Old 12-22-2018, 04:54 PM
rightrudder rightrudder is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Laguna Hills, CA
Posts: 1,805
Default

Love my FP Catto!

(just to add balance to the thread. )
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RV-9A "slider"
Flew to Osh in 2017, 2018 & 2019!
Tail number N427DK
Donation made for 2020
You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky -- Amelia Earhart
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