Sounds like an interesting project, Scott.
I was thinking along the same lines, but a pal who has some experience with the 1.60 said to just get a VP30 and be done with it. We both fly helis too, and are interested to know your findings.
My H9 Extra/1.60/Bisson combo will (hopefully) be here in a day or so. I've really gotten into these bigger planks; just sold my Evo to finance another one...