thanks for your reply...
i am going from plans that came with this plane on most of this build. i am using the exact same tank(Hayes 16oz), engine as it was designed for. i have, just today, lower the tank to make it closer to the carb level. seems to be a lot better now. took numerous hours to complete that task though. had to work out the throttle linkage as well to insure it wouldn't interfere...so far so good.