Electrical Constant Speed Propeller?

[alfdoj]

Dear All

I have purchased a great 4 last year with very few hours on the engine since OH (12 total)
I can see that the O-320-E2A I have used to have governor and must have flown with oilbased CS.

However - the builder did not build the "foot space" so I can fit a oil governor (or can I?) on the back of the engine.

So I have thought of an electrical solution as I also get a very light solution - and very easy to service. I have looked at AX Sport that comes out to 8800 USD and am waiting for the price on Airmasters.

Does anyone here have good experience? Good advice?

PS: It is not a project for this year - so I am in no hurry

Thank you in advance

Alf from Denmark

 

[Scott Hersha]

Vans sells a “kit” to modify the firewall on an RV4 to make room for a prop governor. It’s actually a small sheet of stainless steel and a one page instruction sheet. Cost is about $5. It requires you to pull the engine off the firewall to access the area to be modified.

 

[YellerDaisy]

I just performed this firewall modification a couple months ago. It isn't all that difficult but like everything, does take some time. Of course, pulling the motor can be a project.

I stuck with a fixed pitch prop for now but I'm watching my buddy do the same thing AND install the governor. That can be a project due to the cable bracket and how many things you've mounted to the firewall that are in the way.

No doubt that an electric prop would simplify some of these things but, having watched a couple friends with MT props, it appears that there is no panacea.

 

[alfdoj]

I just performed this firewall modification a couple months ago. It isn't all that difficult but like everything, does take some time. Of course, pulling the motor can be a project.

I stuck with a fixed pitch prop for now but I'm watching my buddy do the same thing AND install the governor. That can be a project due to the cable bracket and how many things you've mounted to the firewall that are in the way.

No doubt that an electric prop would simplify some of these things but, having watched a couple friends with MT props, it appears that there is no panacea.

ahh - like that

I would actually prefer to still investigate on an e-CS simply because it makes the service easier the oilsystem is not required.

However - I now have pricing from both AX-sport (8800 USD) and Airmaster (14900 euro - about 15.500 USD).. And that is much more expensive than I expected.
I know that E-prop is working on a model for O-320 - and I think DUC is the same...

But I might look for a renovated oilbased set then. What is your cost for the oilbased?

 

[YellerDaisy]

What is your cost for the oilbased?

I have not yet investigate pricing as I know I can't afford it at the moment. I will be using a used/overhauled prop and HOPE I can make the change for no more than about $10,000 USD. Guessing $2,000 for the governor, $8,000 for a used prop, and then some miscellaneous items like a three lever throttle quadrant, prop cable, etc. Of course, we all know that additional items always pop up... like a new spinner??

 

[edhunter]

I’m doing the same on my -9A. Bought a little used WW151 for $4000, shipped it to Whirlwind for $350, had it overhauled for $2000, bought new Jihstroj governor for $2000. Add in cables, etc and I’m in for less than 9k. IO-320 160hp.