I'm currently building my second plane/second kit, a SIG Kavalier. The plans call for the engine to mounted at 45 degrees to the upright position. I want to go for a side mounted orientation and fit a pitts muffler within the cowl. Are there any points to consider when changing the engine orientation like this??

should be ok. make sure that the silencer will still have enough clearance from the fuz.

Be sure to balance the model laterally -- the engine sticking out the right side will unbalance it.

Side mounting is superior to an upright engine in a number of ways with the most important being fuel delivery. Its is much easier to get the fuel tank spraybar relationship in the proper position. Also in most cases the needle sticking straight up is a much safer senario. In the case of a taildragger with a stock muffler this muffler will also serve as some rollover protection and in some designs can actually serve a brake by application of down elevator, Yes its common for some activities.

John

Thanks guys