I have made a few changes as part of the engine re-builld, new baffels under the cylinders, a cowl lip added to the bottom of the cowl to hopefully improve cooling airflow and a new prop to unload the engine and allow it to rev properly.
At present I am achieving 3200rpm strait and level at 120 knots indicated at 5000 feet, but things are still bedding in, so this should improve over the next 15 hours, if not, then I will trying reducing pitch from 15 degrees to 14.5 degress.
Climb performance is of course great with 1000 - 1200 fpm easily achieved at 80 knots (2 up and full fuel) and when you open the throttle to start the take off run you get a real kick in the back.
For my records the prop bolts tensions are; Main bolts 175 inch pounds Hub locking bolts 120 inch pounds
I have no idea as yet if the changes have dramatically improved cooling because the engine is again very tight because of new rings etc. and thus my oil temp is also up slightly at 80 degrees C in cruse. CHT remains unchanged at 275 F in cruse.
I now also need to finish painting my wing root fairings and re-install these.....toooooo much happening all at once.
New prop installed and bolts torqued to 120 and 175 inch pounds
Locking up the cowl
Filing the centre of the cowl lip for nose gear leg clearance
