RE: How does changing the prop length/pitch affect performance?
more pitch, the second number means higher cruise speed less climb, flatter pitch means faster or better climb performance slower cruise generally.
Longer prop will give less RPMs and shorter more generally.
You put a longer prop on that engine it will be a dog. Might try a 9.5 X 5 or 6 for better performance. You won't notice it much on that plane though.