REFLECTOR: Performance

[Geoff Gerhardt]

Folks,

I'm getting pretty consistent performance out of my 173RG over the last 8-9
months since initial flight testing.  My question to you guys is, are the
performance numbers I'm seeing typical, or should I be seeing better
performance?  Normally, on a cross country, I'll fly b/w ~8-12,000', ~60deg
LOP which typically has me going 150kias at 8-8.5gph.  Full power, 160kias
is about my max speed.

I have a fixed-pitch Catto prop (66x74, design target 200mph @ 2800RPM).
 When I'm doing 160kts, my prop is spinning at ~2800RPM.  That tells me
that I have the power to spin the prop, but may have air frame drag that's
keeping me from seeing the 200mph predicted by Catto at 2800RPM.

I have a standard 200hp, Lyc IO-360, Lightspeed EI on one side, Mag on the
other.  Timing as per spec for both EI and Mag.  About 90hrs on the engine
(rebuilt).  Compression/oil consumption is normal.  Very stable performance
from the engine.

My plane is fully finished and pretty tight.  Main/nose gear doors are not
hanging out and are reasonably well tucked in when the gear is raised.
 Main wing angles of incidence are spot on, no rudder trimming was
necessary to center the ball - she flies nice and straight.

The factory predicts I should be able to cruise at 175kias - that's just
not possible with my current setup.  Can others with Std Velocities relate
the performance you are seeing?  Is this as good as it gets, or does anyone
have suggestions for things to check to see if I can eek out a bit more
speed?

Thanks.

Geoff
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