VPI,
The P3 is a great airplane. In the colder climates (Greenwood!) it has plenty of horsepower, and yes will climb nicely at higher speeds. However warm it up (Butterworth, Malayasia), and reduce the available horsepower and the story does change. Much above 220kts and it would have a hard time climbing when above 10000'. If I remember correctly, the speed had to reduce 2kts per 1000' above 10000'? This was Ok but I use to stop the reduction at 200kt IAS and this seemed to work OK.
To get away from the ground in the quickest time, a climb at normal rated power, clean and 1.52Vs works a charm if light or cold, and V504/V2(slowest safe speed Vs excess thrust) if heavy and hot (the differance being the time to accelerate to the higher speed and retract flaps).
But the more important question about P3 ops, is how to ensure the FLTENG buys the first round of drinks at the end of the flight!
Don