One other quick note. The airplane would likely benefit from a more aggressive prop pitch, giving up a little climb rate for a faster cruise. In level flight the throttle has to be pulled out 2-3 inches to avoid exceeding redline RPM.
If you wondering how the 160 HP engine compares to the stock engine, I actually know, because I have flown back and forth to Clinton 3 times in formation with 100 HP airplanes. In order not to outrun a stock airplane, I run 2,100 RPM, and only burn about 4 to 5 gallons an hour. With this airplane you have the best of both worlds, you can fly it as economically as a stock C150, but never worry about out climbing the trees, and have more than 6 hours of fuel endurance. Or, if you want to you can fly it faster than a C172 and get 4.5 hours of endurance.
