Just make sure you practice using the rudder a lot while flying the trainer, especially in truns. You will need the rudder for the Cub.

I'd guess the Norvel would run much smoother once broken in. It's an ABC engine I believe. They are supposed to be fairly powerful little engines, but I wouldn't want one that leaks oil all over my plane either.

I'd suggest a nice little OS 25 Max FP for a 2 stroke. I even have one I meight let go at a good price, but would have to investigate their value.

Those extra tabs on rudder and elevator are called counterbalances. They assist when moving the control surfaces. (The air pushes against the counterbalance helping to move the control surface.)

Think about it.
Dennis-