Don-

One thing you don't mention is your plan for the p-40. You say you are new to the sport of flying. I assume you are not planning on trying to learn to fly with the P-40. If you are, it really won't matter what engine you use. In fact, you're better off with an engine that won't actually get it off the ground. Much less damage that way.

I assume you already know that the way to learn to fly is with a trainer-type airplane and an instructor.