Z Bar ?

took some time off between shores and took a couple of pics.
#1 and 2 determining pivot on bell spot.
#3 This Z-bar is A-body and it feels a bit low. I can shorten it some and play some with fork pivot to lower fork some?
I plan to have a machine shop cut and tap bell to get another bolt to make for a sturdy pivot bracket bolting.
Starter is a Direct Drive in case you found it funky looking.
Question:
How much shorter (normally on a Z-bar) can bracket on Z-bar be, before it starts to effect throw action too much?