Hi Phil
No l haven't heard of the Simonini engines l goggled them they are dearer that 582 .
If the wife says buy a new one then BUY BUY before she changes her mind.
The price of the 582 with the e type box it a good deal you can get cheaper rads than the price they are asking, l should be able to dig up a oil tank for you from German if that's the way you are going.
l picked up the new horse today for the wife so she is happy now , l can spend thousands on my planes again.
cheers Geoff.