z1 airbox

i recently aquired this z-1 airbox for my 76 kz900. i didn't realize what a pain these were to get on. i can manage to get the outer 2 on but not the inner. i'm putting it on a later set of style vm28's. i have tried everything. the rubber is pliable. its just being a bear. any tricks?:dry: :ohmy:

I always boil the rubber in hot water then they are so soft it is EZ... Might want to wear gloves thou ... Im stupid and burn my hands

ok, i softened them up...no help. the inside 2 are being difficult. will the early z-1 airbox fit later style vm28's? they seemed to when i compared them. i might just go back to the pods!!:laugh:

Actually, I use Z1 airboxes in carb testing as they are very easy to install. Downside is that they add unsuspended weight. I suspect your airbox must be a bit brittle/stiff as it should go on easily. The OD of early or late 28s is about the same and the Z1 airbox will fit either. The OD of a VM26 is actually slightly larger than a 28 due to the greater thickness of the venturi wall. If you can't fit the airbox and want to get rid of it, drop me a note, I can always use another.

i might just do that. the pods are easier and i am tired of fighting this thing. :ohmy:

p.s. just to let you know, the top is missing from this airbox.....

The method that seems to work well for me is that I first hose them down with spray silicon lube. Then I position the carbs so that the front is angled downward, and I insert the fronts into the intake manifolds. I then rotate the backside down so that it pushes down on the airbox boots.

Then I take a length of heavy gauge wire (like coat hanger wire) with a little hook in the end. I start with the 2/3 boots, stick the hook down from the top and try to hook the top lip of the boot. I then GENTLY try to pull the boot lip up so that it comes up and over the mouth of the carb intake. You must be very careful here not to pierce or damage the boot. It might be a good idea to try to put something over the tip of the wire hook so that it lessens the possibility of damaging the boot.

After I get 2/3 into place, I then repeat for 1/4.

asobsum

I some times take the battery box out if I have a real hard time with one.
There is a tool thats a MUST HAVE for that job.
You can get them at most auto parts stores. It's a (hook tool.)
They use them on radiator hose's. You just slip it from the side and
stitch the boot over the carb. Works real slick...
One word or wording though. New tools are VERY sharp!!!
There are made to take old hoses off and are going to be scraped.
I just sand the point down some so I don't tare the boot by accident.
You can also get this same kind of tool at any home siding supply house.
Same tool but not as sharp as the one mentioned above.

I have two of these, and would not start a stock air box job
with out them.!!!!

XENU