I use higher octane, Can't recall which it was, but it was high test.  I did break in using Stihl oil at the recommended 20:1 but will be shifting to the fully synthetic oil (should be less messy).  I have found that wood swings a little better that nylon, I think it has to do with weight.  The best prop at my local HS is Vess.  On the ground, I tweek the needle for a high end of 11,900 and it usually will break between 12,000 and 11,900  In the air it unloads and the telemetry tells me it is hitting 12,500 pulling my old OLD VK Cherokee at 62 mph on straight and level runs.

Hope this helps ya get closer.  Oh idle is very solid at 3800 and a little sketchy at 3200 but I'm expecting to get it down into the 2800 range before long.


KKKKFL