RE: Gas engine?
You know, there is a subtle advantage to having an engine that's quite heavy for it's output. Once the heavier airframe is found that matches up, if you then fly the combination at a similar speed to previous planes, you should have a plane that pulls significantly "better" on the lines. Centrifugal force cares not what type engine, just how much the whole lump weighs. Now all you gotta do is get an adequate wing loading if you want to turn competitive corners. That isn't going to be a simple task.