Rifle gas system on a 16" .308?

I wouldn’t even consider this with 5.56 but it seems like KAC’s SR-25 ECC runs very well with a rifle gas system and a 16" barrel.

Is there any reason I can’t have a 18 or 20" MWS barrel with rifle gas cut down to 16"? Would I have to open up the port at all? If so, does anyone know how much?