Hi Vans Airforce! This is my first post, so be gentle
I purchased the Whirlwind 330-2B (2 bladed) composite constant speed propeller for my RV-7A project. I have the Superior XP-360 parallel valve 8.5:1 compression engine. I am excited to see the performance of this set up.
I wanted to share my experience while attempting to install over Christmas. The new 330 series propellers first of all are RAD! I love the design and the specs. One improvement over the 300 series is a beefed-up hub according to the manufacturer. An interesting difference between the 330 and other prop models they required shorter prop lugs on the crankshaft. The install manual says lugs must only protrude beyond flywheel between 0.18" - 0.20". This appears to be non-standard, and I now find myself milling the original prop lug shanks down to a custom length of .815". It requires removal of 0.163", almost 3/16". My engine guy looked through his shop and was unable to find lugs of this length.
I purchased lugs from Saber specifically designed for Whirlwind props, but they did not meet this new spec as they arrived with a 0.99" shank. They fit the 300 and 200 series WW props. The 330 is a new animal.
Standard constant speed lugs typically have 4 protruding and 2 flush. The 3 bladed version of the WW 330 prop has only 4 bored out holes in the hub to receive the standard constant speed lug design. My WW 330-2B has all 6 holes bored out. I believe this is because the 3-bladed has to be clocked a certain way, where the 2 bladed doesn't necessarily. This is why I ended up deciding to machine the longer lugs down. There is enough UNTHREADED material in the lugs that a reduction in 3/16" in length will still leave a 1/8" before reaching the threads.
I just wanted to raise awareness on this if you are going to utilize the WW 330-2B prop, and hopefully save you some time. I think Saber was unaware Whirlwind changed the depth of the lug bores in the prop hub. Their lugs are amazing. The machine work is the best I've seen, but in my case, I will just go with the old lugs milled to spec.
Cheers,
Steve
RV-7A Started 2021
I purchased the Whirlwind 330-2B (2 bladed) composite constant speed propeller for my RV-7A project. I have the Superior XP-360 parallel valve 8.5:1 compression engine. I am excited to see the performance of this set up.
I wanted to share my experience while attempting to install over Christmas. The new 330 series propellers first of all are RAD! I love the design and the specs. One improvement over the 300 series is a beefed-up hub according to the manufacturer. An interesting difference between the 330 and other prop models they required shorter prop lugs on the crankshaft. The install manual says lugs must only protrude beyond flywheel between 0.18" - 0.20". This appears to be non-standard, and I now find myself milling the original prop lug shanks down to a custom length of .815". It requires removal of 0.163", almost 3/16". My engine guy looked through his shop and was unable to find lugs of this length.
I purchased lugs from Saber specifically designed for Whirlwind props, but they did not meet this new spec as they arrived with a 0.99" shank. They fit the 300 and 200 series WW props. The 330 is a new animal.
Standard constant speed lugs typically have 4 protruding and 2 flush. The 3 bladed version of the WW 330 prop has only 4 bored out holes in the hub to receive the standard constant speed lug design. My WW 330-2B has all 6 holes bored out. I believe this is because the 3-bladed has to be clocked a certain way, where the 2 bladed doesn't necessarily. This is why I ended up deciding to machine the longer lugs down. There is enough UNTHREADED material in the lugs that a reduction in 3/16" in length will still leave a 1/8" before reaching the threads.
I just wanted to raise awareness on this if you are going to utilize the WW 330-2B prop, and hopefully save you some time. I think Saber was unaware Whirlwind changed the depth of the lug bores in the prop hub. Their lugs are amazing. The machine work is the best I've seen, but in my case, I will just go with the old lugs milled to spec.
Cheers,
Steve
RV-7A Started 2021