If you are gonna nix the LG, be carefull of the fact that the aileron servo and linkages are now the lowest part of the plane and will likely get damaged hanging out there. I used the LG as designed and only added some string to tie the LG rods to the lower LE carbon on the wing. I have flown the plane as heavy as 13oz. ( I am at 12oz. with my current setup) and have not had any gear failure, or had it pull away from the wing...I fly over grass.

As far as your motor goes. I started with the Park 370 1360 kV, and a 2-cell TP 900 pack. That was barely enough power to fly it around. I now have the Rimfire with 3-cell Great Things 900 packs. That is plenty of power. With your motor, I think 3-cells it going to be a must have...