I've done this exact thing, and for the same reason. As you note, the short cage Cyclones tend to be more common or less desirable, and therefore lower cost.

I'm still trying to figure out how to predicts when those springs will break or why. It can be a problem when it happens on the road.

oh... just to be clear, I'm talking about the first generation of the Cyclones. The Mk II Cyclone springs break too, unfortunately.

Steve in Peoria