I can't speak highly enough about the Kavalier...I've had 3 since the mid 80's. Build the airframe stock, especially the wing...make sure the ribs are firmly pinned to the building board and sheet half the wing while pinned. This insures a nice stiff structure that keeps the built in washout intact. To convert it to a taildragger I ran a brass tube from the top of the fuselage to the bottom through a piece of 3/16" (top and bottom) ply for a wire tail guide. Slide piano wire through the tube and make bends that allow for a steerable T/W. The main gear is moved forward so the main wheels split the leading edge in half when looking straight down on the gear. It has 0 bad habits and make flying off of grass a breeze. The airplane really has no bad habits, is fully aerobatic and handles great through all speed ranges. I have an OS 40 on my current Kav and it is plenty of power.

Jim