That is the range. I usually go as much as the steering column or radiator shroud will let me. If it were possible to mount your carb without the adapter (or mill the intake down that same amount), combined with the 'K' drop, it would give you over an inch of extra clearance to the hood.

I have an Indy intake and Dominator carb under the Shaker on my Cuda. Dropping the 'K', lowering the radiator, using a drop base air cleaner base, and modifying the air cleaner lid was the combo that made it possible. And you cannot tell it by looking at it.