Also something I did (not run by Chip)...

I cutout two bays in the underside of the "engine box" to enable easier access to the area... It will assist in placing the engine bolts, accessing front part of the tank area and installing of throttle/choke linkage...

I also intend on installing my ignition and battery inside the fuse near the back of the firewall.

NOW... I did notice that the nose area relies on this solid piece of ply here to help with tortional strength, so I intend on applying some 1/2" tri-stock to the formers inside and placing a 1/32" aircraft ply cover over the openings with several screws to strengthen it back to par.

This is my OWN mod and not necessarily endorsed by Chip... use at your own risk... however, I have no qualms whatsoever in this process. The engine box should be stronger than before and easier to get into if need be all without adding much weight if any: