Hrkdrv,

I think that the YS 91 or Saito 100 are what are most favored for sea level. My nod would go to the YS for enabling you to mount the fuel tank back at the CG. You can do this with the Saito if you put a Cline regulator set up on. As far as all the others, fuelproof the inside of the firewall around the hole at least and do all the others. I would also go with nylon 1/4-20 bolts for the gear.

Mount the engine however you are comfortable with. Through bolts with nuts are better, IMO than the tapped holes.

Go ahead and pull the strings completely out. If you need to pull a servo, tie a string to the lead before you pull it out so you can get it back in. Make sure you secure your extensions with heat shrink or similar.

I peeled covering up for my belly pan, but you honestly don't have to. There are no real flight loads there.

For CF pushrods, I use a Dremel cutoff and wear a dust mask. Cut lightly around the rod until you are through instead of across in one cut.

Hope this helps you,

Dale