Fabbed or modified airbox?

Hello all, new member here. I bought an XJ550 this summer and plan to start to bob it this winter. I have done lots of reading here and have a plan in mind. I would like tohardtail it. The main question is has anyone made their own airbox or modified the existing airbox to accomodate frame mods? I am not sure I want to try pods unless no other option exists. I do not want to start another pod debate. I am intereated if anyone has made their own airbox and what it entails. Thanks

 

Haven't done it yet, so I'm interested in replies here as well. I can share my plan though.

I'm not doing a hard-tail, but I am modifying the frame quite a bit. I'm just planning on using a section for SS pipe ~6-8" OD, weld in smaller pipes to the side to accept connection boots, capping it, and using a round "chopper-style" filter on both sides. It's worth mentioning that I don't have YICS to deal with, so this may not be a good idea as I recall reading that the actual flow characteristics are important with that system (Though, I can't recall if the claim was substantiated in any manner.)

Just thought I'd share.

~Rev

 

This is a discussion without end.

The Gross Cubic Feet per Minute Air Flow shared by all four Carbs seems to be integral to maintaining Fine Tuning of the Rack as Engineered.

Eliminating the Air Box and installing Separate Air Pods results in a Lean Air-Fuel mix which got addressed in many fashions. Primarily REJETTING and Needle Valve Shimming to address the Lean Condition and a "Flat-spot" approaching Wide Open Throttle.

Members have done a wide variety of experiments to find solutions to the problems.
• Re-jetting
• Custom Intake Manifolds, Plenums, Restriction devices.
• Single & Dual Pod Intake Manifolds
Many schemes included Stacks and Extensions.

There are some who have attained a degree of performance that they are content with.
But, not that many compared to the number of those who have tried.

Don't wreck the Stock Parts during the Mod process.
You might find some design that works for you.
You might become frustrated by having a good-looking Bobber that you can't seem to get running as good as it looks.

I gave this problem a lot of thought.
The result was a Theory I called: "The RickCoMatic Bypass"

At least become familiar with the thinking behind the bypass.
Ii truly believe it to be an avenue to overcoming the Tuning issues.

 

So long as it is the same volume I don't see any problem. If you want to find the volume of the stock air box, block off some holes, and fill it with water, then empty the water into a measuring jug.

 

Oh, ... if it were only that easy!

 

I made this air intake manifold from 50mm PVC pipe ( hope the pic attached) there are places on line where you can put in the pipe size and print out a template for the saddle joints I used epoxy resin to glue it up but they say epoy is not the best stuff to use on PVC but it seems to work for me. Anyway the 50mm pipe we get here in OZ fits nicely over the carb and has just enough give to clamp up nicely for an air tight fit. I built this because I did the idiot thing and cut up my air box and although I could get the bike to run OK on pods it was never quite right especally in strong cross or head winds I don't think the cabs like differing intake air pressure. As I only built this air box to replace the old one and I keep side covers on I did not spend to much time making it pretty, however I think you clould make someting like this and have say only one pod ( Like I am using) that actually works and the others could be for show or you could make one to be like a harley and have a pod sticking out the side if you wanted. I use just one pod and the bike runs a treat just like it did with the old air box.