My .02??? Pre-war Cub. Wood spar obviously. Franklin 65hp, smoothest engine ever put into a J-3. No wing tanks, no need, this isn't a x-country machine, fuel gauge in the gas cap. No electric. Altimeter, ASI, Oil Temp, Oil Press. and Compass. Ohhh yeah.....and a roll of TP in the baggage. If you want something to putz around in this is perfect. If you want something to fly point A to B, get a Supercub
You've picked a good design to learn in! The J-3 in my avatar is the Cub I learned to fly in, and I'm a better stick for it. My .02 cents aside ;-), best thing to do is keep it light, simple, and stock. The only change I might consider would be upgrading to an 85 or 90hp engine to give you a little more lifting power.
Brett,
I have owned three of them.....and I am looking for my fourth one. Give me a call and I will be glad to give you some info. Good Luck....you can't go wrong with a cub....
Jan 952-361-9787 home, 952-448-2217 work