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Sutton Constant Speed Prop & Exhaust Test Drive

  • Thread starter Thread starter sj
  • Start date Start date
sj

sj

Staff member
Northwest Arkansas
Well folks, I made the pilgrimage to Lowell Indiana today and met Brian Sutton and test flew his 180HP Supercub with the Hartzell constant speed prop, and his STC'd exhaust.

First I said, "Wow"

Then I said, "When can you install it on my plane?"

This is a really nice mod if you find yourself switching between your borer and your sensenich cruise prop from time to time. It seemed to me to climb almost as good as the borer (I have never flown his cub without it) and it certainly outcruised the sensenich big time. Very very smooth and of course, you could cruise with a very minimal fuel consumption as well.

NOTE: If you weigh 122 lbs and just removed the electrics from your cub to reduce weight, this mod is probably not for you. Spend your time going from bush strip to bush strip a few miles apart? You don't need it. However, the C-180 is not in my budget anytime soon (according to Dana) and this mod would allow me to get a little more utility of of my airplane - and save a few bucks on gas!

The exhaust modification is simple, and effective. It greatly reduces the pipes running all over in the normal supercub, looks great, and apparently pumps a lot of heat into the cockpit. If you are changing your exhaust, you better look at this one.

You can find out more about this stuff at their website, http://www.propilotsinc.com

You can see pictures from my adventure today at:
http://www.supercub.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=sutton

sj
 
So what your saying is if it weren't for Dana you'd have several more airplanes and live in the hanger. Right. I know the feeling. Been there, done that.
 
The problem with "numbers" is it is going to vary for every airplane. Brian's website explains quite a bit of it, but depending on different mods, beat up old pitot tubes, stol kits, etc, the airspeed numbers will be all over the place. Brian has thrust data posted on the website, which may be the most accurate comparison to the other props. I think he also has the weight posted on there.

The weight is not so bad for me as I already have the engine built for a CS prop and don't have to add the govenor to the back of it, of course, my engine weight more to start with. Since my plane can carry over 400lbs of fuel, I just need to leave 10 gallons out of the belly and overcome the weight issue.

sj
 
oscar said:
do they make a spinner that isnt freakishly huge looking on the SC?
Click to expand...

I agree, the spinner is weird. Looks like a Cub with a fat nose.

Bugs
 
Steve.........

Steve,
I know the "numbers" can be deceiving. How about this one: What speeds did YOU see in the Constant Speed version?

Mike in NC
 
Pretty much instantly 120mph at 25 x 25, I think if you gave it a little time it might pick up some more speed, but it was a rough day and did not want to push it. Who knows if the ASI is off, could have been high or low, but it seemed about right to me. My guess is that with little tires and covered you might go quite a bit further into the yellow arc. You could zip along at regular cub speeds at 2200rpm and 24" (75% power).


sj
 
Probably so, but it is kind of nice to have both ends of the spectrum. 120mph is a LOT better than 90mph for us flatlanders out here, especially with our little breezes that kick up now and then (mostly now).

Of course, I suspect you will get different results on different planes, and it will be interesting as people start installing this system to see just what those results are.

sj
 
Exhaust System

I like the design of this exhaust system better then the LEE system. I wish he would do something to make the tail pipe sweep back and angle cut the end so it dosn't look so morphdite. I feel it would be a better system for a dynafocal mount O-360 because it is hard to keep the tail pipe from wacking the engine mount down tube on start up. The clearence is just too close with a stock system. Crash
 
Re: Exhaust System

Crash said:
I like the design of this exhaust system better then the LEE system. I wish he would do something to make the tail pipe sweep back and angle cut the end so it dosn't look so morphdite. Crash
Click to expand...

I think the STC is written so that you could cut the end at an angle. Actually I'm happy with it the way it is, as it keeps any exhaust stain away from everything except the right gear leg. So no more exhaust on the belly and that's almost worth the price of admission right there! :)
 
On floats, an increase in cruise speed of 10-20% without sacrificing takeoff performance makes cubs much more appealing. I know in my 12 cruising at 75 knots on floats gives me lots of time to dream about what I would do for another 10 -15 knots of cruise speed. I don't care how much you like sitting in your Cub but going 300+ miles in any one direction you start to think about speed. Hope the STC work continues and that PA-12s will be included.
 
Tail pipe

gdafoe: You bring up a good point about exhaust stains on the belly. I take it you have one of these systems and have a few hours on it. Can you give us some feed back as far as noticeable gains in performance, cabin heat, or anything else? Thanks! Crash
 
Crash,
Yes I have probably 15 or 20 hours on the system it is very well made by Dawson Exhaust systems. The welding and fabrication is tops. Making this fit the SC must have taken the ProPilots guys (Brian) a bit of time and head scratching, but it really fits well. As far as exact gains I can't be sure because I changed too many things at once. (had a cylinder off to free up a stuck oil ring) But I'm sure I gained at least 25 rpm and probably more. I could find out if I was really dedicated by putting to old system back on again, but that's too big a pain. This is a nice tight system no leaks like the old system. No exhaust smell in the airplane, ever. Easy on and off, very staight forward system. The tail pipe grows on you. I thought a lot about cutting some off but decided to wait, now I'm going to leave it stock. The stain seems to hit just at and below the Dodge long step. I use auto fuel so one does get that extra soot that comes along with the lower cost fuel. Now no exhaust and no oil on the belly - - - - wonder what my wife is going to do with all her time now. :lol:
 
Gerald, I think it is "Dawley" exhaust. They do great repair work too!

sj
 
Yes, Steve you are correct. It was very late - - - for my brain to be active. :oops:
 
Actually, now that you mention it, it looks like the time might be wrong on the system as well..
 
Crash

I have a new Sutton exhaust sitting in my shop:D . If you would like to take a look at it stop by I will be happy to show it to you. It has lots of advantages over the old piper exhaust I think you will like it.

Cub_Driver
 
Exhaust

I am on skis right now but when I switch over to wheels (the way it's melting it could be soon) I will stop by to take a look. Thanks! Crash
 
How much more..........

How much more weight does the Sutton CS add? Their information says 10 pounds, but somehow that doesn't sound right. Also, can ANY 150hp or 180hp engine be converted, whether or not they have a hollow crank for oil?
I wish the Aeromatic prop guy would hurry up and finish up his certification. That is a great prop, I used one for years, and it is light and works wonders.

Mike
 
Aeromatic prop guy??? What is this and what is on the horizon? I'm interested in the cs prop for my 150 sc if it will work effectively when on floats and skis. I was hoping to find someone that had some experience.
 
Guys,
Thanks for the interest in our conversions! Please check the Q&A section on our website www.propilotsinc.com for answers about performance and weight changes. There are many variables which need to be taken into account and each Cub will be different. Also, please feel free to call me at 219-696-8726 if you have any other questions. I will always offer to run your weight and balance prior to any order, so there will be absoultely no surprises. This is the most honest way I can think of doing it. As far as the "Aeromatic" propeller goes, I am not aware of any such propeller currently in production that would be suitable for the Super Cub. If anyone has more information. I would be happy to listen and help in any way possible. Thanks!

Brian
 
You guys are wrong......

In regard to the Aeromatic prop, you guys are totally wrong. I had one on a 90 hp Clipped wing Cub back in the mid 70's. Its performance was just plain incredible.
I had measured my takeoff to be 50' with pilot and passenger, plus full fuel (12 gallons), on a very hot summer day. At cruise, 2450rpm would give you 115mph. Performance with a fixed pitch metal prop was dismal compared to the aeromatic. Fastest cub I ever saw, and would outrun a Citrabria.
The Aeromatic prop suffers from age. Lag bolts hold the prop blades to the hub, and after decades, they rust out. If they made new ones, I'd certainly go for one.

Mike in NC
 
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