This is really old school but I take a straight edge(broom,mop handle) and after mocking up the intake, carb and air cleaner,lay it across the fenders and see if it touches.If barely you may have as much as 3/4 inch when the hood closes.Less if the brace crosses above the air cleaner.That is if you have the other intake off.Just a thought..
To test hood clearance, after the hood will close, I make a paper "straw" on air cleaner stud and do different lengths till I figure out exactly how much room do I have. Was able to added a 1/2 inch heat spacer, but not the 1 inch version. A tape straw works also.