I have a pa12 experimental with O375 aero sport engine rated at 190hp. Was thinking about changing to a constant speed prop. Thoughts? Good or bad idea? Overkill? Difficult to accomplish? Thanks.
Damn, too late to be posting! Ha! Meant to state installing a constant speed prop control. Looking for better cruise speed with dakota wings, 18 gear and feathers, 26” tires. Already is great performer slow
First question is, will your engine accept a constant speed prop? Is there a provision to install a governor on the engine? Does it have the proper crankshaft? If the answers are yes, then yes do it. Your overall performance improvements will have you wondering why you didn't do it sooner.
Then check Whirlwind, they make nice props: https://www.whirlwindaviation.com/index.asp
Or Hartzell: http://hartzellprop.com/products/top-prop/new-top-props-trailblazer/
Long mount or short? What prop are you using now? If you have a Catto on a long mount adding 25# on the nose may not be ideal for W&B. On the other hand if you have a short mount with a Borer? Yabba dabba doo!
Check clearance for a prop governor. The Jihostroj governor that Whirl Wind sells stands 5" off the accessory pad and you'll need more space for the cable attach and arm clearance. If that fits and you have a hollow crank? All you'll need is a 1/8" pipe plug for the crank and about $11k for prop and governor. Talk to Whirl Wind about which prop would work best. Probably the 284 or 200G-CS.