Hi all, I bought a 601XLB this summer with a Lycoming O-235 and a wooden prop made by Props, Inc.  Last week I pulled the plane out of the hangar to start it as I have been having battery issues.  I got a phone call after pulling it out and due to the distraction left my tow bar on the front wheel.  As a result I shaved 1" off the prop.  I sent the prop back to Jeff at Props Inc. and he is going to repair it.  I'm not sure how much it will be shortened because Jeff hasn't gotten back to me yet.  The original size was 66" dia. and 50" pitch.  My questions are as follows:

1) How much of a difference in performance can I expect with a shorter prop?  As I mentioned, right now I don't know how much shorter it will be.  Is there a prop calculator online I can use to estimate the performance change with a change in length?

2) I understand that since it's a wooden prop an engine teardown will not be mandatory. It wasn't a hard ground strike, gradually it hit the tow bar as I increased the RPM's to 1400. I didn't feel or hear anything. One A&P I talked to said it requires an engine tear down, another tells me checking the crankshaft runout is all that's required.  Who's correct on this?

3) I see a lot of other 601XLB owners use a 72" prop.  Judging from my recollection, I can't see a prop that large working on my plane.  The original 66" prop looked like it was about 6"-7"off the ground.  During runup this clearance obviously decreases.  Are the 72" props on tail draggers and not an option on tricycle models?

4) If the prop isn't shortened too much and performance isn't drastically affected I'll stick with the repair.  If performance with the repaired prop is unacceptable I'll have to replace it.  Should I go with an Warp Drive 3 blade adjustable or stick with a 2 blade wood?  Replacement costs is a factor here.

Any suggestions regarding this subject are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Redwingz (I'll never forget to remove the tow bar again)