Glad the motor removal option was workable for you. My 2013 ACE has not required any changes to the wiper motor or linkages (so far) and passed its Thor recall for “inspection on the wiper system” a couple years ago. The OEM wiper motor clearance to the air box top is very tight, so a larger replacement motor could cause problems as you found out.
At least you have Florida temps to work on it; we have about -47F today in Alberta with wind chill. Might have to wear long pants instead of shorts to start the barbecue today.