You had quite the dillema, I've been there - on one hand the cowl is within 1" of the carb intake which is bad, and now your carb has all that swirly air to deal with. I'm with Stomper, damage is done, see what happens and then modify if required. Personally, I went the other route, left the cowl in tact and flew - I had no problems, odds are good niether will you. Good luck!