Low-Blow: Your "white line" cut idea makes sense and is a good start as long as the belts line up with the pulley. You might also consider making your own custom "made to fit" bracket out of steel bar stock. Make a prototype out of wood first. Or use an offset generator bracket. I would only cut the intake as a last resort. Easier to make a bracket, I think. Plus, it's neat to make your own stuff.
https://www.google.com/search?q=flat...hrome&ie=UTF-8