One thing to consider when changing the latch system is to double the plate on the canopy latch and using countersunk screws. Doing this might preclude doing the mod that Don mentions on his site, but I believe it gives the latches much more purchase and is more secure. Unlike with a single plate, the double plate reduces the gap between the canopy and frame plates to next to nothing.
I posted this before, but I have a dual system of warnings. One is a microswitch on the latch which triggers an annunciator light saying the canopy is open, the other is an aural warning and red annunciator if the canopy is open and I have airspeed over 30kts. This allows me to taxi with the canopy open, but prevents me from taking off. Bob Jeffery also taught me to push up on the canopy as I take the runway as a final check. Good habit to develop.