Unfortunately, I have already mounted the cowl. Moving the engine back might be possible (not much, though) but I have already spent so much time carving the cowl (for the Saito, remote-glow and fuel dot). I would hate to have to fill those holes, re-paint, and then do it all again!

Would moving the engine back 1/4 - 1/2 inch really make that much difference?

Seems easier at this point just to locate the battery back (way back!) in the fuselage. Anybody know the location of the formers?