Go for it
rv6ehguy said:
Can anyone help me? I am in a position to purchase a Hartzell constant speed prop at a bargain price. The model is C2YK-1BF / F7666A-2. This prop is 74" in diameter and is 2 inches longer than most props going on a RV6A. I would like to put this prop on a Lycoming clone IO -360 180 hp engine. Can any one see any problems with this combination? Would I be better off reducing the prop by 2 inches? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers.
Well you have 1" less ground clearance. You will be fine, however you will have 1" less clearance.
Big deal? Not in my opinion, but I am no RV6A expert. I recall people saying they had about +9" clearance. There are "A" models flying around with 74 incher's.
What does less clearance mean? Might pick up more small rocks and pebbles if you do run ups on ramps with small rocks and pebbles. Solution don't run up on ramps with small rocks and pebbles.
Soft field with lots of ruts, divots, holes, ridges, large molehills and super soft................. I would not go in there in a RV taildragger. Seriously you are giving up a tad of ground clearance and more soft field caution is in order. But a nice fairly flat firm "turf" or "soft-field" (not too soft) will be fine.
Close counts in horse-shoes, hand-granates and prop clearance. More the merrier but a good deal is a good deal.
Pilot technique. If you really blow it and smash the nose wheel into the runway from a botched landing, high bounce or PIO (pilot induced oscillation-porpoise) on landing than you'll have problems with any prop. In your case your problem will start 1 " earlier. If you hit your prop on landing you probably bent at least the gear.
74" will give you great climb and may be a mph less top speed at most. Also if you "touch" the the tip and damage it, you will have rework material. 72" is the official minimum diameter. You can go slightly under 72" buts its not approved, tested or a great idea.