Rusty;  I guess the old recollecter isn't what it used to be, as tonite I
was looking back to last April, and an e-mail from Jim Mosur stated the prop
he has for a backup is an Ivo and not a Warp Drive.  
------------------

Thanks for the correction.  I just took a brief look at some of the other
brands you mentioned, and as I found before, they're made for 2-stroke
power.  At the moment, I'd say Warp Drive is still my prop of choice.

To anyone else who might be interested, here are my notes from about a year
ago when I spoke with Warp Drive.  

Rusty


12-7-01

Spoke with Warp Drive today about a prop.  Their number is 641-357-6000, and
they have a dealer in Ft Walton (Able Aircraft Engines).  They said I would
require at least 3 blades for 180-200 HP from a Mazda with 2.178 redrive.
Over about 220 HP, I'd have to go with 4 blades.  A 2.85 redrive would also
require a 4 blade even for 180 HP.  This is to be able to absorb the power
without overstressing the blades. They said a 3 blade prop on the Mazda
would be extraordinarily smooth.  Gotta like that.

They recommend that I start with the standard blade, rather than the tapered
blade, because they think I'll need all the tip area I can get for the
power.  Once it's flying, and I give them some numbers, they can determine
if some tapering will help, and the blades can be tapered at that time.  

There's really no limit to the blade angle, other than cavitation.  They
said 22 degrees (about 82") pitch was the limit before some cavitation would
occur.  

Rain will erode the prop leading edge, unless you slow the prop down to 2200
RPM or less, or unless you have the Nickel leading edge strips.  They cost
$40 per blade, and are always added as the last step, so they can be added
at any time after the prop has been in service.  In fact, they recommend
flying the prop first to finalize the length and shape of the blades, then
having the LE strips added.  It might be worth flying the prop until the
rain proves to be a problem, then having the strips added if necessary.
Probably won't be needed for me.  

They recommend a max prop tip speed of 850 fps, which is about what I'll end
up with at cruise.  The prop can be run faster, and 3400 rpm for a 7000 RPM
engine run should be no problem.  

They sell fiberglass spinners as well, and have a 12" available for about
$160.  It will completely cover the prop hub.  

At this time, nobody makes a variable pitch hub for the warp blades at this
power level.
  
They did warn me that their prop will always be a bit slower on top speed
than a properly made 2-blade wood prop.  He said it should be within 10 mph
though.  Small price to pay for an adjustable prop.