The add on clutch bracket you have was designed to work with the stock aluminum bellhousing which has thicker bosses for the bolts than the scattershield flange.
It did not need the washers with the same bellhousing on the 289 though.
Anyways I havent had time to check my timing yet, but I did adjust the clutch linkage slightly and it seems a little better, my dad thinks it is normal and I should just jet my carb because it seems a little rough.