Short answer: yes
Long answer:
I fly an 8 with a FP and XIO-360.
My brother built a 4, and even that i like the cowling “cheeks” better, i did not fit in to my comfort. I am 6’4”. So it was the 8 for me.
My 8 compared with the 4 (O-320, FP) from my brother and the 4 (O-320, FP) of a friend who i fly formation with, we are all in the same ballpark.
Performance wise, as you live in a region without very high temps in summer and pretty close to sea-level! I don’t see the point for the gain in performance on takeoff and climb that a CS will bring. I rather see the weight-saving from a FP over the CS.
The 8 easily becomes a bit nose heavy, so the lighter you go up front, the more docile the handling will be…
Just to have the option, for later or resale value, i opted for a hollow crankshaft.
I would recommend a ground adjustable prop though.
The Sensenich i have is light, runs smooth, delivers advertised performance and is easy to adjust.
You will most probably end up with your “sweet spot” setting and just leave it there, but at least you could adjust if you go e.g. tour the rockies for less pitch.
Try to keep the 8 nose light for a 4-comparable handling.
With 180hp FP -8, you will not “pull away like a rocket” from a 4, you are in the same ballpark with more room, a fullsize passenger seat and more cargo compartment.
A fast -4 will creep away from you. A standard 4 will not, you will.