> You mention getting the prop "re-pitched." Is that possible with these metal, fixed-pitch propellers? Is it economical?
First off, Univair is probably not the best place to buy a prop from. Yiou should be able to pick up a perfectly good used prop for around $1700. I have always wondered about the Ercoupe "normal" prop. There are several identically powered aircraft of the same vintage in the same speed range and they all, without exception, call for a 7148 as the normal prop. My guess is the 7150 is "optimistic". A 7150 prop would make sense if the Ercoupe was faster, but it simply isn't. '40s vintage aircraft with C85 engines that go between 105 and 115 mph in cruise all should have the same prop for "normal" (IMHO). These other planes (Cessna 120's, 140's and Luscombes, for example) call for a 7146 as a climb prop and 7150 as cruise. I would not hesitate to apply the same logic to an Ercoupe. You'll fly just as fast and burn about the same fuel, only the tach will read a little higher. All that said, a McCauley prop in good condition can be repitched for about $200 or so. The only catch is there is a limit to how many times you can do it, and the limit depends on what direction you're going. IIRC, a new prop can be pitched 3 times, as long as there is only one change of direction, so you can go from a 50 to a 48 to a 46 and back to a 50, but you cannot go from 50 to 46, back to 48 and then back to 46. Clear? John Cooper, A&P Skyport Services PO Box 249 4996 Delaware Tnpk Rensselaerville, NY 12147 518 797-3064 Fax 518 797-3865 www.skyportservices.net
