The carb spacer on most engines could be 1/2 or 1/4as long. The reason most are long is because the engine maker wants to use a off the shelf item instead of designing a short spacer. They are not needed at all forsome engines. They are needed mostlyto prevent heat soak. That is when you stop the engine & the heattransfers "soaks" up and into carb causing a hardrestart. When engine is cool/cold no problem on starting.Also you can get a 90 degree intake...carb will be tucked in closer instead of through cowl.

Photo below Capt,n