RE: carbon props
I have an OS .46FX and a .45 FSR.. both run best with either an APC 11x6 or a 10x7 if I want a little more speed and don't mind the slight loss of low end thrust.
I also use the #8 plug with 15% fuel.. I was running the A3 plug and it worked while it was still cold but when summer hit I started having some lean runs even when it was checking out ok on the ground.. Switching to the #8 fixed that.