Well I been thinking along the experimental lines too. // you're right about the thrust angle. I'm not crazy about that
The dodge STC SA465AL is for installing a windshield and boot cowl, but doesn't change the way the spars attach. // I'm on the right track with the questions and concerns I have.
Mike if you go experimental here are a couple thoughts..
1- Cut the firewall down and push the windshield out to match.. really improves the view
2- Get rid of the dash and move any gauges all the way to the firewall.
3- Cut out the overhead.. jig it. X-brace the top and dash.. (weight is a wash)
4- The windshield can be built to use a (wrapped) flat sheet of Lexan, may want to use a metal brake on top to place a stiffing bend for top deck attachment tabs to connect.
5- Thrust line.. in our testing some (- nose-down) was a good thing for takeoff and the further we went (+ or nose-up) the better the landings.. the tendency to fall out was less noticeable.
Possibly stick a motor mount on the plane and stack washers to see what you like the best, it does take more time that we expected to work it out.
With all the tweaks these things get its probably a good idea to check the horizontal thrust line as well. stand in front of the plane and 'bore sight' the prop center with the tail raised. When getting down to a stall a little horizontal line change is very noticeable. (more washes to test)
Once you know what you want for a m-mount.. build a mount to match the (washered) template.
If the build is kept light.. I believe the CG will be to far forward.. that's where we are with the last build.. would like to hear what others have done to fix (without adding weight).. adding tail length, move the wings, fly from the back?? With enough effort in the beginning of the project possibly moving the engine/firewall back then moving the pilot controls back (for leg room) would be a solution. Maybe on the next one! ;-)
