That would be known as a 15* angled K&N style air filter. Its not really part of the engine, Its a aftermarket thing. You should research a little bit about motors first before you attempt to modify anything.
Its 3 wires. 1 Positive to the switch from the positive in on the hot side of the starter solenoid. 2 is Positive trigger to the solenoid when key is turned to start. 3rd wire is from the ignition coil. Not a hard job at all.
Sure you can melt a pop can with a MAPP plumbing style torch, But your not going to liquidize your aluminum engine block. You'd have to heat so much of the surronding area to melt the block it would be impossible with the cunductivity of aluminum.
I had the same problem with my modified GX200 clone kart. I adjusted all I could in the secondary even made a #4 hole in the secondary cam and still didnt get it to work right. Always wanted to suck the belt right up into the secondary and go to full shift bogging the motor down. The proper cure...
I work at a big rig truck & trailer shop and 6 litres, 7 litres etc are all concidered baby motors lol. Most transport truck motors are well over 15 litres. Anyone else here work on big rigs?
Most of the time its just for clearence issues with the right rear tire and intake manifold and filters like freak said, You can also run less oil with a angled mount.