Okay, first of all some background.

I started flying RC when I was about 10 years old. I'm now 23, and after 13 years of flying glow planes (with a hiatus in the middle) I'm ready to jump into gassers. I've dabbled in electrics and I like the small ones, and I've played around with large glow planes, but the conclusion I've come to is that I need to simplify.

So I'm selling off my larger glow planes (keeping some small sport planes) and anything bigger than a .40 or .60 is going to be gas powered and large. I'm planning on getting about 4 good gas planes, and at least 2 or 3 of them 3D capable. I'm not a beginner pilot by any means (nor am I an expert, though).

I have a friend selling a Great Planes 1/3 Scale Pitts Special with a G62 (yes, it's overkill, but that's how both of us are, and yes it's been reinforced and had many successful flights). I'm seriously considering it (okay I'm committed) for a first gas plane; I know the Zenoah's seem to be reliable and simple engines to operate and I think it would give me a good intro into gas planes.

So once I get that plane and become experienced with it, I'm looking into getting some 3D capable planes.

I'm very eagerly eyeing Great Planes Performance Series planes; I've always had good luck with their products and these look wonderful. I just missed an opportunity to buy an RTF Ultimate 1.60 and I'm really kicking myself over it because it looks like a perfect plane to match my flying style.

My top choices are:

GP Cap 232 (27%)
GP Ultimate Biplane (1.60)
GP Sukhoi

I'm REALLY excited about the Sukhoi; it looks like an awesome plane that can handle just about anything I'll throw at it.

My question is!

Since I'm new to gas planes, what are some things I should watch out for and what are some things I really need to know? I know that gas engines are entirely different animals, so I need some info on them. Redundant systems? Failsafes? Oil use? ANY n00b info would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what are the lightest gas engines available? DA, Fuji, Evo? Best 3D power?

Thanks!