Moving the engine back into the fire wall area is a poor choice as it creates several problems----------------clearance gained in the front is paid for dearly by many new problem areas--foot/leg room, steering column issues from steering wheel angle to header clearance, foot pedal problems, etc--------

Most clearance problems in the front arrive with the cross member for the front spring mounting being raised to let the front set lower------a standard type cross member with reversed spring eyes or de arched will allow more clearance around the front pulley/dampner and accessory drive components-------

But I do agree that a frame stretch in that area would help with lots of stuff and would allow the components to be laid out in a much more acceptable/visual way---------and Rootlieb or other hood /side panel makers would have no problem making hoods for anything up thru 1934 stuff(beford the fenders started getting "FAT")