I did raise my engine pod slightly. I found that I only lacked a little clearance for the 11" prop. I would not build the pod any higher especially like some want so they can clear a 12" prop. If I remember correctly I only had to add 1/4". This was simple and I felt safe because I added the triangle stock to the area that the pod and fin meet and there was no deflection. In fact adding the triangle stock really added surface area for glue and stress contact and stiffened the whole thing up.

You know you built this plane well when all the structure stayed intact except for where yours failed. That area is the weakest part I feel. That plane will take a lot of abuse if built right. We all know there is a clock buried in our planes and it will strike the crash alarm eventually.

Good luck with the rebuild.