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Hi
Dave,
Regarding Warp Drive props, I've had one on my Zodiac 601 for about 2
years now. The prop is a 68" 3-blade with the "constant speed" planform
attached to a Continental O-200. So far, I can't say that I'm terribly
impressed.
Pros:
The ground adjust capability and method are good. It's nice to be able to
dial in how much prop you want.
Nicks
and dings in the prop are easily fixed with a glob of epoxy and some
sandpaper.
The
prop construction and retention in the HP hub seem pretty
positive.
Cons: Doesn't give the performance I was expecting. After
reading Mr. Lipps' article in the last Contact issue, I suspect the airfoil
isn't very efficient, as he pointed out in the article that any prop with a flat
bottom and a sharp leading edge has poor efficiency, and the Warp Drive has
both. 'Course, I do have to add the caveat that I fly out of an airport at
5440' elevation. The one time I tried it at a 1000' elevation, it was like
a completely different airplane.
The
composite construction is very sensitive to nicks. If you go the Warp
Drive route, make sure you get the nickel leading edge
protection.
Can't
say much about the taper on the blades - my cruise speed seems less than other
Zodie drivers, but that may be due to a general need for aerodynamic cleanup and
the extra weight of the Continental.
Grant
Schemmel
John, I'm very
interested to hear how long this one lasts :-). Did you plug
that big old hole in your intercooler yet? BTW I forgot to ask and I
assume the awns is yes, but are you running water to the
turbo?
I'm also shopping
for a new prop. Thinking about a warp drive ground adjustable.
Anyone have any experience (I already read what I could find on the RV
list)
Dave
Leonard
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