Hi CM, Your welcome. When I get a chance to install mine I'm going to remove the gas tank and muffler. That should make it low enough to not have to cut my hood. I have to do all the stuff u listed to. Check out this site for aftermarket parts. https://www.affordablegokarts.com/ It has a lot of the stuff we need. Let me know how it works for u and post pics. U will probably get yours done before me. Good luck Mike
