RE: Glow to gas
A 17cc gas engine may work, but it depends upon the plane.
Some gas engines like the smaller Evolution engines will actually mount into a standard glow engine mount. These are the easiest to deal with.
However be aware that an unknown degree of "reworking" may be required to make everything fit...
You'll need new fuel lines, tank, plug, fittings, ignition battery, etc. too.