Man I though mine was heavy at 12lbs.... I substituted C.F. gear for the aluminum. I am using a home made soft mount that is 1/2 the weight of the stock aluminum ones, had to make a nose ring box. I threw away the lumber for a pushrod and used c.f rod supported on a bearing at the back former. Put the fuel tank on the C.G. and battery and throttle servo in behind the firewall. S.T.2300 for power w/Perry/pump/carb setup.
I have yet to fly this plane and prelim's indicate C.G. will be close.
I hope I dont have to add weight to the nose. If I do I'll just put the stock L.G. back on.
See pic of mount.