RE: Spinner/prop/cowl aero interaction
The author of "The Design of the Aeroplane" recommends that the diameter of a spinner should be close to 25% of the propeller diameter. This is because the centers of most propellers are very inefficient. They spin at much lower speeds with less efficient airfoils than the rest of the propeller: therefore, they contribute little to thrust. So, it sounds like your spinner is about right.
taylorcraft1947