Tim,

Here is some info on the setup of my LNC2 (320 MKII) and the CG I ended up with.  First, here are the basic parameters of how I built mine:
  - IO-320-D1B (with prop governor on front of engine)
  - B&C lightweight starter
  - Hartzell 2-blade constant speed prop (70")
  - Extended fuel to the tips
  - No header tank
  - Battery on the rear of firewall, above the nose gear tunnel
  - Gear pump right behind passenger seat (good for servicing, too)
  - MKII tail
  - Long motor mount (this puts the engine 3" further forward)
  - No passenger rudder pedals

I ended up with an empty weight of 1,168lbs and CG of 20.7".  In my most nose heavy scenario (just me at 200lbs with 5 gal fuel) I end up with a weight of 1,398lbs and CG of 24.1" (allowable range is 22.9" to 30.3").

In a worst case tail heavy situation, (pilot 200lbs, passenger 150lbs, 42gal fuel, 80lbs baggage) I end up at my max gross weight of 1,850lbs and CG of 29.0".

The recommendations I received from factory folks (Don Goetz, Orin Riddel, etc.) and from other builders was to do the following (and in this order):
  - Use the longer motor mount
  - Get rid of the header tank
  - Use the MKII tail
  - Do everything else you can to move weight forward
  - Keep it as light as possible

The consensus is that the LNC2 much prefers a forward CG to an aft CG.  Orin did the initial flights in my plane and said it was probably the nicest LNC2 he had flown in its pitch control and he attributed that to the forward CG and large horizontal tail.

Best Regards,

Dan