Hartzell or 200RV Lower Priced?

[TCONROY]

Looking for some insight here. We are building an RV-7 and plan to order the engine this summer at Oshkosh (if we get the b/a Hartzell for the package price). I keep hearing great things about the Whirlwind 200RV and the new 300RV as well. Many have told me the Whirlwind props are less expensive than Hartzell but I can't seem to figure out how. The Hartzell on Van's website is $7,160 whereas the 200RV is $8,665 (Whirlwind website). I also understand there is some extra drilling/fabricating for the Hartzell prop whereas the 200RV is pretty much ready to bolt on with the spinner (is that right?).

So am I missing something or is the 200RV actually more expensive?

Really uneducated about engines/props so any advise or suggestions are welcomed!

[rzbill]

I believe Van still offers the $1000 discount on engine / prop combo orders and usually an extra smaller deal at the shows. Free shipping from Lycoming for instance.
Hard to beat. When I purchased, there was no less expensive option for new hardware available (and you can bet I looked hard, too)

In regards to the spinner, there is cutting and fitting to do, but it should be similar for any prop, fixed or constant speed unless Whirlwind is supplying their own custom fit unit (I don't know but I would be surprised if they are).

[DanH]

Don't forget to look at maintenance intervals and frequency of unanticipated service, contributors to overall cost.

That said, cost is secondary to the laws of physics. Ask about a formal vibration survey done with your particular engine choice.

[Brantel]

Another factor to consider is the weight of the props with an RV7. 7's tend to be tail heavy to the point of limiting baggage capability with low fuel without a heavy prop on the nose. Study this if you are planning to take trips....

[rzbill]

Originally Posted by DanH

Don't forget to look at maintenance intervals and frequency of unanticipated service, contributors to overall cost.

That said, cost is secondary to the laws of physics. Ask about a formal vibration survey done with your particular engine choice.

I agree with Dan on this point too. Research will likely show you that the least expensive option from Van (a Lyc & Hartzell ) also meets the maintenance and vibrations testing criteria.

Hard to turn down that overall package.

[schristo@mac.com]

Take a close look at your projected CG and tail weight... if you have a lighter engine and a light prop the tail will end up pretty heavy to start and will get really heavy with a full baggage area. A light tail is much more enjoyable in my experience.

After paint, my -7 is about 1110 with a 63 pound tail.

[erich weaver]

Originally Posted by rzbill

In regards to the spinner, there is cutting and fitting to do, but it should be similar for any prop, fixed or constant speed unless Whirlwind is supplying their own custom fit unit (I don't know but I would be surprised if they are).

They do, there is no cutting or fitting to do.
Erich

[Guy Prevost]

Whirlwind is more expensive. It is also much lighter and may perform marginally better.

The spinner is completely done and requires no work from you beyond paint.

The current overhaul interval on the 200RV is 750 hours (and increasing as WW gains experience). Mine was beginning to sling some grease at 450 hours, so I had it done early. Whirlwind volunteered to prorate the service, so it only cost me ~$350 for the overhaul and inspection. If my father-in-law's experience is any indicator, an overhaul on a certified prop is an order of magnitude more expensive.

I would choose the Whirlwind again in a heartbeat. My criteria may not be yours.

Best,
Guy

[flyinga]

You can probably also get a "deal" on a WW prop at Oshkosh. I got about $1000 off a few years ago.

[TCONROY]

Thank you for all the great replies! If we decide not to get the Van's package deal, how long can we delay getting the prop? Is it required to be in-place to properly fit the cowling and set edge distances from the cowling to the prop backing plate? We'd like to avoid getting the engine and having the prop sit for a year while the firewall forward and the many other final finishing tasks are completed.