just took the chrome bell horn off, can this bracket come off too or does it serve some sort of structural purpose?

 

Due to the thickness of it I would say it needs to stay on to help support the heads. Keeps them a constant distance so the intake doesn't suck air. Similar job to bracket on the other side.

Flip the bracket over 180 degrees and it wont be as ugly.

Don't believe it's needed. It's that thickness to support the horn and tin cover.

If you're worried about removing it, have a flat bracket fabbed out of SS plate and powder coat or polish, depending on preference.

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Can't see any reason to leave that bracket on once you remove the horn. 4 studs/bolts through each cylinder & head should hold things steady I'm sure.

If it was to hold the heads steady, then it would be straight, rather than have  a "U" shape in the middle. - Rob

I would fabricate or machine up something that looked neater and fit it. Its probably not needed but would give a bit more rigidity to the motor