....and as I recall, the instructions didn't make sense, and
the dimensions for drilling the big hole was wrong, and
I had to use smaller wheels.....

The holes should
have been drilled 3/16" lower than what it called for. I can't remember If I had to cut the axles, but I think I did.
The big hole has to be cut out, so the axle fits freely through
it. They are held on by the little screw, and the epoxy filler
in the big hole....gives some strength. You have to use a
wheel collar on the inside, and outside of the wheel for the
correct spacing.
You must pay attention to the "tilt" of the fairings before you
drill the holes for the little bolts. If you are flying off grass....forget the fairings....the little screw is all that holds
them on, and they won't last any time at all.
You can side mount the engine by re-doing the mount, and
cutting the cowling appropriately out the side. Get a black
glass filled engine mount to fit your motor....chuck the metal
one that comes with the plane....I had an Ultra stick .40 with
the same mount, and the mounts failed (two of them) with
about 5 flights each....and everything was perfectly balanced.
The metal mount is heavy, also.
Re-do the mount before you install the tank.