Shaggy, I can't see anything wrong with making a great aircraft even better. The introduction of the Lyc has not reduced the handling characteristics at all, probably improved them, the fact that the prop goes the other way round is hardly noticable and you get a slightly better view while taxying. The bit about the carb heat in my last post was in fact a rhetorical question to point out the vunerability of the Gypsy to icing. I'll bet the people that you know who have thatched cottages all have electric, gas, central heating, water and sewage because its an improvement over the original design. Just remember, some Chipmunks are still working aircraft who have to earn their keep - not toys, and this is the only way they are financially viable.