RE: what a difference a prop makes - DA50
My experience with a DA50, power is pretty much the same with different oil mixes.... I've done 80:1, 100:1, 50:1, 40:1, 32:1... no real change in power (taching the engine)... Playing with exhaust is the quickest away to gain more rpms....
I'm running 40:1 Klontz, bisson wrap around pitts, and a MSC 22x8 prop... I tach 6900 on the ground... but this prop pulls much better than a CF 23x8 (bolly)... I was getting 7200 on the ground with it... Just because the engine tachs higher doesn't mean it will pull better out of a hover...