What I have been told and read, is that a 1/4">1/2" increased pitch at the tips is a good thing in the overhead maneuvers. I would expect you'd want 5" pitch for the .76, and launch somewhere around 9k. I'd also suggest you send a PM or email to Dave Trible, since he's running the .76 actively.
Just this AM, I attempted to readjust the pitch on my Brian Eather 3 blade...more at the tips. I'm not good at it, find it frustrating, and accuracy unpredictable, but I need to run the .46VF richer, and at a lower launch rpm. Which will be somewhere around 10,000, I hope.
With the clunk tank, I can try a couple of short loads (2 oz) to find the setting. It's also supposed to be stinking hot (for the contest) this weekend in BC, so I've also packed some 15% vitamin N. Also packed the pitch gauge. With any luck at all, I'll get in an official flight. Haven't flown in a month and a half...too danged hot, mostly. Add in a couple of fishing trips...
Mounting the .76 sidewinder might be ok, but starting inverted isn't all that horrible with an inverted engine, and the tank install generally works out nicer. Better structurally also, considering the direction of the piston stroke. I'm strongly suggesting that you get it setup for a piped installation...better engine control in the wind.
Having a "pit tootsie" that you work with all the time helps tremendously if you absolutely have to turn the plane over for starting. Our SOP is for the helper to not do anything until the pilot signals to point the plane straight up. Then, the pilot takes the plane from the helper and sets it down. The helper takes a kneeling position and assumes control of the plane.
Steve