0-235 in a BC-12 ???

[eric_s_lundy]

A Couple years ago, a bc-12 had a ground loop and prop strike on its original 65 hp continental and now the owner wants to install a 108 hp 0-235 into the nose.. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has done this and received approval for it??. If not, I think the best course of action would be to to the Harer model 19 stc to up the gross weight and increse the baggage area, and then install the lycoming (aircraft already has wing tanks). I know the fuselage isnt 4130 like the model f-21 so i think a direct conversion would be unrealistic. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated as this would be quite an extensive modification. Im pretty sure The cowling would require lengthening the side panels, but could the f-21 engine mount fit onto the bc-12 fuselage fittings and maybe even use f-21 exhaust??. Another point is the wing lift struts,, I see sources for new sealed struts but are they stronger then the original material and is it a requirement for the model 19 stc or a recomendation?.
thanks to everyone out there supporting these older aircraft
Eric Lundy
A.M.E