Use early mark P-38 cowlings instead for a more likely look.
Or if you wanna go super sleek, YP-38 stylie.
Taking this idea further, what if in the late 30s, with the prospect of RR Merlins being in short supply, someone (let's say Fairey) negotiate a licence to produce the Allison V-1710 in the UK as a source for additional V-12s beyond the RR Merlin. Such an engine could be used on the Whirlwind instead of the RR Peregrine. Perhaps then go one step further and add the turbosuperchargers to the sides of the nacelles (perhaps with intercoolers buried in the wing along with the radiators).
Of course, having UK produced Allison V-1710s also offers possibilities for other fighters to be given the option...