Mike, provided the centerline of the crankshaft is not moved, I don't think the thrust will be affected if you rotate the engine about the centerline of the propshaft. I just ordered mine, and I will learn from your experience and rotate mine. I really want to use a 4-stroke, but the 2-stroke will have to do for now. Are you going to add any scale details to yours? I'm looking for close-up pics of the full-scale version right now. I also might put Robart struts on it, if finances permit. Very scale looking!

BTW is the head going to protrude thru the cowl?