The key w/ this plane is to keep it light. I would not run HS 225s, they'll add 2.5oz over the 81s. It's not an issue of size, but weight. I'm really surprised with the qualify of this plane. It's build straight and solid. The manual is a joke, but it'll do. You are right on the power pod. The engine, tank, servo, battery... are mounted on the pod and then to the firewall.

Tower sold out of the Hitec flight pack w/ 81s, but Horizon has them.