Hi All - new member here.  For years I have considered building a Hi-MAX 1700 and looking to finally pull the trigger.  I am around a 215 lb pilot at this point though, which seems like the upper end of the weight range for this plane.  However, I am considering an engine with more power, such as a Hirth 35.  I was curious as to if anyone out there has a Hi-MAX with a larger/more powerful engine than the 447 and if so is there any modifications I should look to make to accomodate this. Or, if anyone in the same weight range is flying the 447?  Thank you for any insights.