While I was surfing through your build, doing my daily catch up, I busted out laughing.
You were saying exactly what was coming into my mind. No question, cut it up
!
Sweet valve covers.
You could make an 'X' style of cut, tap tap tap til you get room (about an 1.25"-1.75") clearance.
Then cut an X patch. Bit of a pain but that way you don't have to make a giant pocket but Im no expert.
Good Luck, You can
DO it
or move your motor forward.