My brother had a 1946D for awhile. If you change the engine, I think you lose the LSA capability.
My brother said there is a set of rubber doughnuts in the gear that are absolutely necessary. It keeps the wings at a negative angle of attack on the ground to help hold the airplane down. It the doughnuts are worn, it affects the crosswind landing ability. My brother loved his, but sold it when a friend was flying it and the mag gear came off and the engine swarmed. He has since wished he had it back.
