ha ha, let the engine get good & hot, and i bet that carpet goes up in smoke.
the exhaust is actually touching the carpet, and that pipe can and will get up to 250 degrees F. if not more.
I don't think you will have enough air flow to keep the engine cool because these things get pretty darn hot, and with the gas tank being right on top of the engine, I would not be surprised if the engine gets vapor lock from the heat.