RE: Engine size vs. Airplane weight
FlyBoy has it right. There are so many variables that weight alone will not determine engine size. You could put a hemi in a cigar box and it would surely go. Wing area, field altitude etc.. The manufacturer's recommendations are usually on the low side for the smallest engine. Unless itis copletely preposterous go for the largest recommended engine. There is nothing more disturbing than trying to climb over an obstacle than too little power.