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Prop/engine combinations on your RV4

Mark Cigal

Mark Cigal

Well Known Member
Greetings fellow RV4 drivers. I would like to survey the 4 owners regarding their engine and prop configurations. I'm particularly interested in the 0320 gang with fixed pitch props. Please include prop length, pitch and manufacturer.

Thanks for your help.
 
I have an O-360, converted to fuel injected with a Sterba 70-82 wood prop. Climb performance is incredible, I wish it was a little faster though. 175-180mph true.
 
160hp O-320 with a Prince P-Tip. Can't remember the specs, but I believe it's a 68-76. I'll look next time I'm out there. 170ish true and about 1000fpm climb solo plus or minus a bit depending on the day up here in Denver. When I get her flying again this year I'm expecting about 175 true with the fastback and new fairings that'll be a bit cleaner. I would absolutely not put a bigger engine or CS on mine unless it was a Rocket.
 
160 HP O320 with a Catto.... and before anyone says anything.... Yes, I know I should have a performance prop on it but I haven't had time to make one for myself. BUsy making props for customers.

My 2cents: The 160hp engine is the way to go if you want the true rv4 feel. once you go to 180, it loses that charm.

D
 
dmat said:
160 HP O320 with a Catto.... and before anyone says anything.... Yes, I know I should have a performance prop on it but I haven't had time to make one for myself. BUsy making props for customers.

My 2cents: The 160hp engine is the way to go if you want the true rv4 feel. once you go to 180, it loses that charm.

D
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Do you know the specs on the prop ? Length and pitch ? Ours is a Catto too 70 inch length with 71 pitch.
 
0320-e2d 160hp with sensenich pitch 79 climb solo is 1800 fpm and cruise is 170 mph
carburated and std magneto

old formula and reliable

Michel
 
Suzie Q: O-320-D1A Swinging a Bernie Warnke 68"X72" wood Almost Constant Speed prop. Most beautiful prop on the planet! Mostly round instruments with a few newer things thrown in. Cruises at 152kts all day long (with the old wheel fairings) at 2400 going through 6-7 gph. She'll do 174kts at 2600 but sounds like she is working too hard and is sucking down 10gph. Neither of us like that.............. 172mph is just fine with me. Faster than the Cub.............

As has been stated before, the length of a prop is pretty much measured in inches from manufacturer to manufacturer. The pitch, however, is measured differently depending on who makes the prop, oddly enough. So: comparing your Cato to another Cato is a valid comparison; it might not be the same from other manufacturers. So my 68X72 is going to be different that the 68X72Prince P-Tip in post #4. Just sayin'..........

Also: I agree with dmat: I would not trade my O-320 for anything bigger. The combination I have with my straight-built -4 is a magical combination.
 

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Mark Cigal said:
Do you know the specs on the prop ? Length and pitch ? Ours is a Catto too 70 inch length with 71 pitch.
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I would have to go back and check the prop specs as I only have Performance Prop numbers floating around in my head daily. A great pitch for a RV3/ RV4 with a 160 HP engine would be 68 diameter x 74 pitch. We have seen some great numbers for that combo (with a Performance Prop Blade design).

D
 
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Roadjunkie1 said:
Suzie Q: O-320-D1A Swinging a Bernie Warnke 68"X72" wood Almost Constant Speed prop. Most beautiful prop on the planet! Mostly round instruments with a few newer things thrown in. Cruises at 152kts all day long (with the old wheel fairings) at 2400 going through 6-7 gph. She'll do 174kts at 2600 but sounds like she is working too hard and is sucking down 10gph. Neither of us like that.............. 172mph is just fine with me. Faster than the Cub.............

As has been stated before, the length of a prop is pretty much measured in inches from manufacturer to manufacturer. The pitch, however, is measured differently depending on who makes the prop, oddly enough. So: comparing your Cato to another Cato is a valid comparison; it might not be the same from other manufacturers. So my 68X72 is going to be different that the 68X72Prince P-Tip in post #4. Just sayin'..........

Also: I agree with dmat: I would not trade my O-320 for anything bigger. The combination I have with my straight-built -4 is a magical combination.
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Suzie Q still has a Warnke?! That's amazing!

Just for some context on Performance Prop.... Perf Prop is an "upgraded" Warnke. The story goes, the original owners worked for Bernie and spun off to Perf Prop and modifying the blade to increase strength but keep the performance of a Warnke.

D
 
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O320 carb, E2A, Sensenich GA, 72" Pitch pin 1.5 is off the ground in just over 300' top speed just a bit less than 200 mph, #2 is off the ground in less than 400' solo, full fuel. Top speed something barely over 200 mph true at 2700 rpm. Climbs at 1400 fpm to about 5000 density altitude then slows down. Climb at 130 to 140 mph. That prop likes faster speeds for climbing, haven't tried much at 80 mph. Plane is light at 920 lbs. That helps!
 
O320 with a wood Sensenich pitched for a cruise. At 500 feet WOT, 2700 rpm airspeed was hoovering between 208-211 mph. Pretty much as Rick57 said
 
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