I didn't record total time to 17,500'
Part of the reason I didn't record the total climb time to 17,500 was because I stopped at 12,500 to put on the oxygen system. I was probably about 250# below max. I took off from 3DW, Springfield Downtown Airport in Springfield, MO. It was last week of July and ground temp was in upper 80's. My climb performance at 17,000' was as good as the local training 172's climb rate on takeoff.
My CHT's are really low. The highest CHT that I have ever seen, in an extended climb, was 399 degrees. Lycoming recommends to lean the IO-390 to PEAK EGT when at cruise and 75% power or less.
I didn't calculate DA for 17,500, because I figured that it is what it is, and when I'm traveling it doesn't matter at all to me. I will say that air vents were closed up high and didn't need cabin heat with the RV-14's bubble canopy.
I'm working on the next video which is max cruise speeds and economy cruise speeds at altitudes up to 17,500' It should be done in a few days. Dan