Pods

[JStones]

Are there benefits to going to pod filters? Jet size then increase? I have my carbs off now and want/need to make some decisions. Looking for advice..

[niclpnut]

The benifits to running pods are the ease of carb removal and not having to mess with the airbox, and an increase in HP.

You'll have to rejet to compensate for the increased air flow from the pods, and to get it right, it's usually a good idea to get a jet kit (factory pro/dynojet).

The ol zuks run really well with the air box. If you are willing to spend some time and money tuning and swapping jets around for moderate results (unless your bike has been moded past stock) and ease of carb removal then go for it. If you want little fuss, and a solid running bike keep the air box.

Nic

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Pods, jetted correctly, will add a few HP in your case but only at higher rpm's. If you ride the bike at 3/4 to full throttle in the upper rpm range then you'll notice an increase, not a lot but noticable. Basically, the only time you'd notice is if you're racing someone.
Personally, I wouldn't do it unless you're building something special. Jetting your CV carbs can be difficult and there are often minor issues that some owners don't like that isn't the fault of the jet kit. "Street manners" may be compromised. The extra usable power just isn't there for general street use. In fact, you will most likely lose a little torque due to the nature of your carbs. On a 550 that's not desirable.
As mentioned above, servicing the carbs is easier with pods. That's about the only benefit I think.

[posplayr]

Pods, jetted correctly, will add a few HP in your case but only at higher rpm's. If you ride the bike at 3/4 to full throttle in the upper rpm range then you'll notice an increase, not a lot but noticable. Basically, the only time you'd notice is if you're racing someone.
Personally, I wouldn't do it unless you're building something special. Jetting your CV carbs can be difficult and there are often minor issues that some owners don't like that isn't the fault of the jet kit. "Street manners" may be compromised. The extra usable power just isn't there for general street use. In fact, you will most likely lose a little torque due to the nature of your carbs. On a 550 that's not desirable.
As mentioned above, servicing the carbs is easier with pods. That's about the only benefit I think.

You did not mentions the hours of entertainment getting it jetted right. Pulling carbs is always fun on camping trips

[KEITH KRAUSE]

You did not mentions the hours of entertainment getting it jetted right. Pulling carbs is always fun on camping trips

And those hours can turn into days...
I'll just have to trust you on how much fun it is to do carb work while camping. Not ranked too high on my bucket list.

[Dakotakid]

I'll just ad this as food for thought:
My '83 GPZ 750 has individual K&N's and the roar of induction noise is enough to make me seriously think about selling the bike. It is truly horrible to live with. I fully suspect the original air box would have canceled a lot of the misery.

[JStones]

Enough said. I just figured I would ask as the carbs are currently soaking. Figured if the change was necessary now was the time. Sounds like alot of hassle. Thanks to everybody for the advice.

[sparki]

My '83 GPZ 750 has individual K&N's and the roar of induction noise is enough to make me seriously think about selling the bike. It is truly horrible to live with

strange as that's a noise i truly will never tire of....

[Dakotakid]

The roar of this guy taking a breath at certain rpms is beyond uncomfortable. It is so intense that it makes me feel like I need to vomit....and, hey, I been on bikes, tractors, autos, and locomotives throughout all my life. I employeed parrafin ear plugs and that did nothing to cut the misery.

[sparki]

wow... thats a lot of breathing 'eh... and vomit. your hearing must be much better than mine in that case