I started the project on a pilot I had in the parts box, similar to your suggestion, on what I thought was same as for an early 675, 2025 loco. I drilled 1/8" holes into it, standing-up on the drill press, drilled just above the pilot teeth. I then connected the holes by hand-filing to make a perfect slot. The stress of this modification cracked the pilot beam, just in front of the steps. Looking at the pilot, there is an inherent weakness there, as the material is thicker on the top and bottom, but this thickness meets, does not overlap, at the line in front of the steps. The material must very thin at that hairline and results in a crack. I also realized that I was working on a 226E pilot, that not only does not fit the 675, it will not accept the smoke unit. I will try again today.
If you try this, take it slow so the pilot does not crack like mine did.