Scott Hersha
Well Known Member
I have an RV4 with an O-360-A1A / 180 hp, and a Sensenich 72 X 85? prop. My airplane is fairly light (980#) and it performs quite well with this setup in most areas. However, I can?t use the power that I would like to at anything above about 5,000? without over speeding the engine. At 7,500? DA, with wide open throttle, I?m turning 2880 RPM, and seeing 182 KTAS. I don?t run it like that, except for a test purpose. I would like to see 2700-2750 at WOT, and the same TAS as I have now.
My options as I see it are:
1. Repitch the Sensenich to a higher pitch
2. Buy a ground adjustable - Sensenich 2 or 3 blade, or a 2 blade Whirlwind
3. Buy a constant speed, either Hartzell, or Whirlwind. This would involve removing my engine to modify the firewall to make room for a governor, cost 2-3 times more than option 2, and negatively affect my current light weight handling qualities.
Option 1 costs about $400 at a reputable prop shop in Sellersburg, IN. There are warnings on Van?s website about re-pitching metal Sensenich props, but I?m guessing that is for DIY re-pitch jobs. The prop shop has a pitch table meant for this purpose.
So my question is - does anyone have any experience with either re-pitching their Sensenich prop, or the use and performance of either of the above mentioned ground adjustable propellers?
I do fly formation and it has been an interesting challenge compared to my previous CS RV?s, requiring a much higher level of anticipation to stay ?welded wing? in some situations. Pitch outs for an overhead landing is really an interesting challenge. The 3 blade GA prop would help a little in these situations. If anybody has experience in this area, please tell about it.
Thanks,
My options as I see it are:
1. Repitch the Sensenich to a higher pitch
2. Buy a ground adjustable - Sensenich 2 or 3 blade, or a 2 blade Whirlwind
3. Buy a constant speed, either Hartzell, or Whirlwind. This would involve removing my engine to modify the firewall to make room for a governor, cost 2-3 times more than option 2, and negatively affect my current light weight handling qualities.
Option 1 costs about $400 at a reputable prop shop in Sellersburg, IN. There are warnings on Van?s website about re-pitching metal Sensenich props, but I?m guessing that is for DIY re-pitch jobs. The prop shop has a pitch table meant for this purpose.
So my question is - does anyone have any experience with either re-pitching their Sensenich prop, or the use and performance of either of the above mentioned ground adjustable propellers?
I do fly formation and it has been an interesting challenge compared to my previous CS RV?s, requiring a much higher level of anticipation to stay ?welded wing? in some situations. Pitch outs for an overhead landing is really an interesting challenge. The 3 blade GA prop would help a little in these situations. If anybody has experience in this area, please tell about it.
Thanks,