i have 3 RCV's

the .60

.90
.120

expensive engines but they are well worth it, the 90 is in my spit and the 1.20 in my scratch built hurricane (the 60 is ready for my stuka when i finaly get around to doing it)

all 3 run like a charm, the throtle variations are spot on, and iv never had any viabration problems, i find them louder than a normal 4strk but thats about it...

it realy makes a difference having the engine totaly burried in the cowl, the muffer is also easy to hide out the way....

just use the recomended fuel and you will be hard pushed for a better engine in your B17...

iv never had a problem with cooling these engines and in my experiance they run better on the hot-er side

saying that all the air scoops on my spit and hurricane are functional so that realy does help matters but in your case you wont have any problems....

i would say the only real downfall (if u can call it that) is that they arent very durable in a errrrr..... crash

my friend had a 90 in fiesler storch that lost its wings and came in for a premature landing, the engine was destroyed beyond repair as far as cost was concered

good luck with the b17