Jeff L,

 

Here's a little different take.

 

With my NA Lyc IO 320, I climb at 135 KIAS because it seems to be the best combination of ROC while covering some ground (it "feels" good).  I will see 1500 to 1800 fpm (starting out from 700 MSL) with that diminishing to 800-1000 fpm at 5000 MSL.  After taking off with WOT and 2740 rpm (15 gph) and reaching about 700 AGL, the prop comes back to 2600 rpm and the constant speed climb continues at WOT.  The mixture is leaned frequently to keep EGT values at levels seen during the high power takeoff roll (leans to somewhere in the best power range).  At 6000 or 7000 MSL I will have leaned to no more than 11 gph.  I know that engine cooling airflow is not at an optimum during climb, however oil temps are not elevated above 180F (takeoff requires at least 95F) and no cyl goes above 400F, even on a hot day.

 

Upon leveling out, the engine is kept at 2600 rpm until cruise speed is reached (about 181 KIAS) and where the rpm is brought back to the sweet spot (2480 rpm).  Throttle and mixture adjustments then finish off the process and CHTs settle back in the 340F to 360F range if I am cruising ROP or cooler if LOP. 

 

I would never climb LOP.  I do climb ROP leaned to a best power range.  This conserves some fuel and gets me comfortably and quickly to the desired altitude while keeping the engine pleased as punch.

 

I'd welcome some comments about people's ROP climb numbers typically used.