Hello Big Dan; There has been a lot of controversy about that FL 70 lately, with the concensus being that OS Cheaped out on it. If your happy with OS, then perhaps an older FS 70 Surpass would serve you better, or a Saito or Magnum. I have a Surp 70 that I have had for years and am happy with, but I think OS have been left behind by other engine makers. My choice would be a Saito 72.

We have an astro hog at our field running an old Merco 61, plenty of power, but too noisy.

The aluminum gear you saw on the tail dragger was probably easier to mount on the fuse then re-engineering the wing mounted tricycle gear, as the gear has to be moved forward for tail dragging, I have had to do this on a few planes to convert from tricycle gear.