How do I get the original airbox in a maxim 700 1985?

So I had a friend hunt down an airbox for my maxim so I can toss out the pods. How do I get the box inn it will not fit no matter how hard I try I have removed the carbs still no luck. Please help!

 

A couple of members have claimed success by pulling the starter and the cooling tube from back of water pump but I think it's still darn near impossible.
You could spend hours fighting with it and still not win (and possibly crack the airbox you just got)
Dropping the engine isn't terribly difficult if you have the right equipment or a strong friend.
The right side of the frame rail comes off to help out a lot.

 

i knew it! i couldnt get mine out one day and figured? talk about the stupidest design flaw

 

How bad are we talkking removing the engine I have never done it?

 

It really depends on how difficult a couple problem bolts are.
Primary concern is the exhaust studs. Start soaking them with some PB Blaster (or your penetrating oil of choice)

You might be able to remove some of the mounts and tip the engine forward enough to get it in but I've never tried that.

I don't see it as a design flaw. Why would you ever want to remove the airbox....
The REAL design flaw is that damn air filter snorkel that's all but impossible to get back into place without crushing the air filter.

Since mine was just apart two years ago, and with my trusty impact in hand I could have the engine hanging from my crane in about an hour.

The last one I pulled took about 6 hrs just to get the exhaust headers off.

 

success!! It can be done by pulling the starter. That is it a little elbow grease and it fit. Thanks for the help. No need to pull the motor