HE application uses "axios" module if I remember for outgoing calls. In your case here you're looking to modify the API in order to time out requests?
What duration of timeout you looking for? And do I submit a branch on the github in order to apply for this?
I've run an HE node for some time (with your help initially) and am in the top 20 witness list, would gladly have a whack at this if it would help improve the HE application and ecosystem.
Get ahold of me on here or on discord if you have any info on this and how you'd like it set up.
Link to my account: https://genie.peakd.com/@klye