1/4 inch of the muffler sticks out and 1/2 inch of the carb. excluding the V stank.
The nose of the plane is tapered or else it would be a much better fit.

Weight will be your biggest concern.
The Ryobi is narrow, but I believe the Homelite is lighter.
There is plenty of lift on this bird so it may not matter all that much

I think it looks pretty good with out the cowl.
But there are those who think it must all fit perfectly.

Some where I posted a picture of the plumbing on the engine, did you see it?
I could not find it on my computer.

Maybe I'll stop working on my Mr. Mulligan and go fly this afternoon.
Crash pictures soon to follow. I hate maiden flights.