Havoc, I have finished mine and flown it a few times, Ol' man Winter got here so have to wait til spring for some more flying. As for the engine I have an OS 46 FX on mine, I used a Pitts style muffler that is made by Magnun, which is a knock off of the OS line of engines. The post before yours talked about the non-information in the instructions concerning CG with or with out fuel and control surface throws. I balanced mine as shown with an empty tank and it flys just fine. I found out that very little throw is needed on the controls. First flights were a real roller coaster effect until I got it turned down. Mine is flying with just a small amount of up trim (which translates to slightly down elevator). I read on full scale EZ reviews that if the nose gear is not set up with slightly positive stance(nose high) it may take excessive takeoff runs to get airborne. I've found that canards take more takeoff roll than coventional aircraft, but not a whole lot. With the 46 it's a rocket so be prepared for some good speed at full throttle. I have lots of expo in my elevator to help dampen the effects of a very effective elevator in flight. The Long EZ does land a little hotter than most other aircraft, and ya have to fly it all the way to the runway.

As for Motor installation, mine is side mounted. I think I am going to have to make a scoop to get more cooling air over the engine if I want to fly with the cowl in place. An inverted motor would solve the cooling problem, but then you would have to deal with the exhaust issue some way. Maybe one of those TopFlite In-Cowl deals from Tower Hobbies would work. I think the Magnum muffler may fit the TT Pro also, the bolt pattern is 37-38 mm bolt hole to bolt hole. Check your muffler and compare it to the specs of the OS46. The part no. is MAG279940 Pitts style muffler for 40-52. You can look up the part no. on Ace Hobbies web site. You could even rotate the engine a little so the stock muffler is in line with the center of the fuse and pointing backwards. May solve the cooling and exhaust problem.

The hardware that comes with the kit is mostly junk, I replaced a lot of it with rocket city and DuBro parts. Mine also has a retractable nose gear, so I didnt need to add a whole lot of weight to balance it.

We should try anbd keep this thread alive so we can compare notes.

Pete