Yes, from everything I"ve read the replacement gear is to allow more clearance in the front for a larger prop. I've ordered an aluminum gear replacement from TnT - I'll let you know know it stacks up to the origional when it arrives.

So you're going to build up a balsa cowl too? Do you have any preliminary plans of what shape your going to make? On mine I'll probably end up making the top and left side cowled and the bottom and right side open. The enginehead and pitts muffler I have extend out beyond the firewall on the right, and the exhaust pipes go down on the front.

Nice build, keep up the good work.