James,
IMHO, I have done what you speak of. The Brodak P-40 profile really gave me confidence as I am learning, still have one. I like the way it flies so well I am designing around it. So far, using the exact P-40 wing, I have built a Gee Bee replica that if anything flys better than my P-40.(Its ok Pat Johnston flew my GB and he is the one that said it, and the P-40 is NO slouch) I also have a bf 109 based upon the same wing, but I have taken a step back and am only flying shrink wrapped airplanes the rest of this year, somethihg about the hours finishing being lost when I make a rookie mistake. The 109 is hanging on the ceiling waiting for paint to come this winter. As has been said, wrapping new clothes on a proven platform is the highest form of flattery for the original designer,, (right Pat) and gives you a pretty good chance at hooking your lines to a good design when you are done. It also gives you a chance to tweak, for example I lengthened the nose moment about 3/4 since both my p-40s were tail heavy. worked out perfect,, ok so the second time cause I stuffed it, my fault. Its flying again and I am a happy camper cause when I set MINE down next to the cardinals and P-40s, and Vectors, its different. Truth is it only looks different, though,,