
Well gentlemen.. It has begun, RV-8. Any tips, tricks, suggestions or words of wisdom to share? I've got some time to kill before I actually order kit parts, so I've got some prep time. I plan on reading the manual repeatedly and hopefully gaining some knowledge from the experienced builders. I've already found some builders in Boone Iowa and plan on getting a hold of them once I have some free time from work. Some questions I have;
-are there any tools I should get/avoid?
-is there anything I should just straight up avoid?
-has anyone used a 200+ power plant?
-turbine power plant?
-what is the never exceed speed?
-has anyone done some modifications to the frame to increase that?
-have there been any successful and well documented retract modifications? (yes I know it isn't the 'smartest' thing to do)
-has anyone done a real fast back, I've seen the bubble fast back, but I would really like to do a BF-109 style cockpit.
-How much more room does the "tall" option give you?
-what does it do to the rear seats space?
If you haven't already clicked on reply and started reaming me a 'new one' well thanks

A little background on me, I'm an Aerospace Engineering student at ISU, I love working with my hands and work on cars quite often, and I'm not afraid of a little challenge! So I do know that some of my questions are very in depth, very challenging and may be impossible, but that's what being an engineer is about. So I would love any help, sympathy or suggestions.
Thank you all,
George