I have flown several 40 sized planes on a 52 4 stroke. Did fine. You may not get out of sight vertical performance but more than enough for puttering about and sport type maneuvers. Personally have had no problems with Magnum engines except they take a bit longer to break in.

FM is fine. Just do the usual range test and get your frequency pin. The programmable 2.4s are nice but you don't have to go to that expense now.

I am just coming back. Going to do my re solo Sunday if weather holds.

For what it is worth, I was out over 10 years and I decided to do a bit of buddy box time and requalify on my Kadet Senior trainer. Probably did not need all that; just wanted to keep my knees from knocking.

Welcome back.

Tom