hotrod180 wrote:I was quoted a price of close to $13K on a 2 blade for my C180. What's the price for a 3-blade?

$14,950 plus crate & shipping.

Zzz wrote:I think there's a another less-spoken-of difference between 2 and 3 blade props that can make a subtle, more qualitative difference: the sound. My impression is that 3 blades have a slightly higher audio pitch at rpm, where the 2 blade is lower. While the 3 blade is probably smoother, the 2 blade is more soothing. Tell me if I'm nuts. This probably has more to do with blade length and linear velocity of the tips, and all these years I've thought it was number of blades.

I haven't got to hear one yet but I have been told they do sound a bit different - kind of a whisper at idle. Don't know about powered up.
I know I wouldn't like my Harley nearly as much if it didn't have that special rumble to it....
I have a hard time getting my head around the look of 3 blades instead of 2 - just what I'm used to I guess....
The better performance possibilities have me leaning that way though....
I'll let you all know how it works out.... late winter sometime.

That whisper/whirring sound is a composite thing, not necessary a 3-blade thing (I think.)

Zzz wrote:That whisper/whirring sound is a composite thing, not necessary a 3-blade thing (I think.)

FWIW, my hartzell 3 blade on my 180 is still fairly noisy (says my wife). So I believe you are correct Zzz.

A1Skinner wrote:

Zzz wrote:That whisper/whirring sound is a composite thing, not necessary a 3-blade thing (I think.)

FWIW, my hartzell 3 blade on my 180 is still fairly noisy (says my wife). So I believe you are correct Zzz.

Not to start a new three-point vs wheel landing conversation, but I believe the different/quiter sound comes more from blade design, not materials. There has been a lot of research put into sound reduction by all the prop manufactures in the last couple decades. Out of this came the q-tip, scimitar, hartzell swept blade, etc. Obviously there is a lot more to it than I understand, just my thoughts.

I share a hangar with two planes having 3-blade props. They are a PIA to maneuver around and make parking other planes in close proximity a chore. There is a lot higher potential for hangar rash and stitches.

Well after jumping through many hoops and waiting for many months for Del-Air to follow through with the conversion kit / STC (which may never happen) I ended up doing what most everyone suggested in the first place and upgrading all the way up to a beautiful already converted 170B with most all the bells and whistles in pristine condition.
Swapped out the 2 blade MT that was on it for the 3 blade I'd purchased last November for my conversion and removed the 29's and replaced them with my 31's off my A model.
A model sold the same week I acquired the B - life is good.
I still have a newly built O360, 2 blade MT and pair of 29's in good condition for sale.

Great looking airplane!

fishdoc wrote:Well after jumping through many hoops and waiting for many months for Del-Air to follow through with the conversion kit / STC (which may never happen) I ended up doing what most everyone suggested in the first place and upgrading all the way up to a beautiful already converted 170B with most all the bells and whistles in pristine condition.
Swapped out the 2 blade MT that was on it for the 3 blade I'd purchased last November for my conversion and removed the 29's and replaced them with my 31's off my A model.
A model sold the same week I acquired the B - life is good.
I still have a newly built O360, 2 blade MT and pair of 29's in good condition for sale.

Badass. Congrats!

Things have a way of working out sometimes! Enjoy that fine bird!
-DP (180Hp '53 170B, MT 2-blade, 29" ABW, Sportsman, etc)

Great looking plane!!

How much for the engine/prop? I'm just starting an interesting home build.

Thanks!
This plane is awesome - things do have a way of working out for the best.
I am asking 25k for the motor and 8k for the prop.
Will consider a package price for both.

One of the better looking 170's I've seen - love the paint as well as the black MT. I'm sure it's a performer as well.