Your question as to the fit in the existing engine compartment would have me recommend you don't. It would extend out the from so far there would have to be a lot weight added to the rear to compensate. The engine mounts on stand-offs is the reason for the reach. I have two other gas engines, a Fox 4.2 and Fox 3.2 I have flown for several years. This RCGF is much smaller but shows good potential, especially for the F.K. The 20cc when I was trying it out on the test stand would idle at 1800 and would touch 9000 on the top end. I did not hold it there but was curious. Later when it gets broken in good it should do better. Going back to surgery on the nose, it should not be too bad. I cut mine off with a coping saw with no problem. Just reinforce it well. The resulting cheeks were combined with a balsa block connecting the two sides at the top. After shaping and sanding it has made a very nice cowl. The engine fits completly under the sides and top of the cowl with a small cut-out for the muffler on the lower left side. I also made it a tail dragger with oversize tires to allow for prop clearance. At present there is a APC 15x6 prop. on the motor.