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RV 9A with O-320 160hp 3 Blade Catto RPM?

rockwoodrv9

rockwoodrv9

Well Known Member
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I am wondering what RPM anyone with a 160hp with a Catto 3 blade are getting on climb out at 1000' density altitude. I cant remember the pitch on mine but it is more of a combo or climb prop.

On full throttle take off I am in the 2200- 2300 range. Once I get up a bit higher I mostly cruise around 2400-2550. If I am over 6000' I can get 2900 or maybe higher. I have a self limit of 3000 though I contacted Catto and they said I could go higher if the engine will push it along.

Are my numbers reasonable? I wondered if I am a little slow on take off at 2200 to 2300 until I am airborne. I upload to Savvy and have not been told of any issue.

Thanks.
 
I have a 3 blade 67 diameter 70 pitch on on O-320 166HP (as Dyno'd). Just checked a couple flights.

This is the info from savvy at the time of the last 0 value AGL
2290 RPM 2100 DA OAT=28
2260 RPM 2144 DA OAT=24

I've pushed mine to 2800 once during the test phase to check top speed at 8500 Indicated. 161 Knots there.

I typically cruise around 2400 RPM (around 60% power) and get about 140 Knots true.
 
Thanks Carl for posting that data. It indicates that RPM above 2700 would be overspeed for the O-320 that I have. Also, my Sensenich metal prop has a limit of 2600 RPM vs the OPs Catto.
 
RV8JD said:
Interesting. Something from Lycoming to ponder:

Click to expand...

thanks Carl. I just checked and I was remembering wrong. The highest rpm I reached was 2720. The 3200 number was what Nicole at Catto told me. When I asked what the limit was she sent this:

Prop: 3BRV67x69NLE

"We limit the prop at 3200 continuous. There are no RPM ranges that you need to avoid.

It is good to check the torque after the first 10 hours so maybe do that if you haven’t done so and then every 6 months with season change.

No TBO on the prop, the nickel will occasionally need to be reconditioned around 1200 hours or so.

We use a waterbase paint, just scuff the tips and reshoot."

I guess my numbers are similar to others. I thought I may be underspeed at takeoff but I guess not.

It is nice to have Savvy keep an eye on my data. I started using the free but changed once I got flying more to one of his subscriptions. I could do it myself in excel but it is so much easier to read on the site.
 
I was puzzled by your 2900 rpm and a take of at 2200 - 2300.
I have a IO320 @ 164hp if I remember correctly. I have the same take off rpm but never see over 2700 in flight.
I spend most my time LOP so not sure about peak RPM but 2900 would never be possible on my plane.
Your second figure makes more sense and matches closely with mine.
 
MarkW said:
I was puzzled by your 2900 rpm and a take of at 2200 - 2300.
I have a IO320 @ 164hp if I remember correctly. I have the same take off rpm but never see over 2700 in flight.
I spend most my time LOP so not sure about peak RPM but 2900 would never be possible on my plane.
Your second figure makes more sense and matches closely with mine.
Click to expand...

You are correct Mark. I had numbers mixed up. My highest rpm ever was 2720.
The prop is rated to 3200 but that must be for something else other than an airplane!
 
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