An update on this. I sacrificed the front pilot truck rather than the engine itself, I ended up drilling a new hole in pilot to move to the front axle as forward as far as possible. I assume the pilot is truck is not original, so it is what it is. It seems to have worked. Maybe this is an option for others. 
After spending more time looking at references on the internet (Thomas, the site you referenced above was very helpful!), it looks like this style engine should be 1930, with the recessed headlight. I think the pilot casting maybe from an earlier engine, as other references indicate there should be a more solid pilot (not hollowed out around the steam chest) when viewing from underneath. I suspect it wouldn’t be too far of a stretch imagining Ives/Lionel to mix and match available parts from the factory to use up inventory.
I think I also have an answer on the lever in the cab, where it’s presence indicated no e-unit. It was used as a manual switch for reversing the engine.
I would like to buy new side rods for it, any leads on who would sell them would be great. I thought MTH, but it’s parts web site doesn’t have much on the Ives engines.
