As a rule of thumb, that probably developed from just where I see the
majority of pilots fly is to run about 2400 RPM and about 23 to 24
inches of Manifold pressure for Cruise. Every pilot develops there
prefered Power Settings for each airplane as they fly them more, But as
a Rule of them this is a good starting spot for Non-Turbocharged
engines with Constant Speed Propellers.

Also note that the Manifold pressure will decrease with altitude, so
you will have to increase throttle as you climb to maintian the 23-24
inches.

Most Engines are Rated for 100% power for up to 5 minutes. So you
should make these settings within 5 minutes of applying full power.
Most pilots do it either immediatly after lift off with runway
remaining to land on, or after climbing out to a point where they
could glide back to the runway if the engine quit.

Don't know for sure if it is valid or not but it has been said that it
is more likely to have a power failure while changing engine settings.
Makes some since if you figure that some engine failures are caused by
Mechanical failures of the controls or by misuse of the controls by the
pilot.

Also some pilots will either reduce the RPM setting either before take
off or immedialty after lift off when the engine has a particalary high
RPM setting and large prop. They do this to reduce the amount of noise
made during the take-off if they really don't need 100% power.

Yes I understand you are flying a simulator, But Learning is Learning.

Brian
CFIIG/ASEL