About a new engine: it's a no-go - at least not here on HLP. Why do you think HLP isn't hosting the Homeworld MOD, where FS ships are put into the Homeworld engine? Because that's beyond our allotted territory here at GameSpy. Planet Homeworld deals with the Homeworld engine, while we deal with the Freespace engine. And, despite it seeming weird that Homeworlders would be dealing with FS ships and story, it makes sense to keep all the knowledge and talent about each game engine one single sites.
But anyway, reasons aside, unfortunately HLP is currently not allowed to focus on other engines. Yes, we have a Freelancer discussion forum, where people can trade MODding tips and whatnot, but HLP as a whole is not focussed on Freelancer, nor can we host any MODs for the Freelancer engine.