You can put any tornado panel you like in.. but... i think it messes up the cannon firing effects, as you loose some important gauges. So it fires continuously when the lights are on as I remember.
No probs, Had the aircraft since it was out myself, and had the same thoughts as yourself. If i remember rightly, there was some kind of solution, but i've forgotten it. It involves finging the gauge that controls the effects, and adding it to the new panel. If you want to try then go ahead. If i get time i'll have a bash too.