Intake questions...

[coolalexrex]

My intake is cracked, don't know if the crack goes all the way through.
1) Is it worth the hassle to replace it?
2) I have the replacement on hand, but it didn't come packed with gaskets - should it?
3) If I change it, there are two bolts on the right, two on the left. Any advice on getting to the ones on the left?
4) Is porting it very important?
Thanks to everyone that has helped me help my bike along the way, greatly appreciated!

[Shores]

If it was cracked all the way through you would know it because it wouldn't run well. From what I understand the cracks are usually just in the outer rubber coating.

[DEEPHATE]

Most likely it isn't cracked all the way through but it isn't hard to replace. The o-rings you have to purchase separately. I don't remember the bolts being difficult to get to but it's been awhile. I ported my new one because I understood the better flow would improve performance. The one I replaced ( which was cracked on the outside only ) I ported with a Dremmel.

[brianmac]

gotta pull tank and fuel pump bracket, not bad if ur used to it. just lay all to the side. new manifold needs to surfaced on glass. new orings required with oil applied. you could use locktite PU sealant to cover and fill cracks on old sumbitch. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-...5273/203163733

[DEEPHATE]

I think that's what I did now that you mention it!

[roadiemort]

If you really like to get anal about porting then match the manifold port to the head portion by stuffing a rag in the head port and grinding to match the sizes as best as possible.

[Tropicalrs]

After you are through porting and start reassembly BE VERY CAREFUL not the strip the head threads. Get ALL the bolts finger tight and check fitment. When satisfied, slowly tighten each bolt a little all around till all are tight checking fitment as you go.

Not bad to do, but 15 years ago people were completely tightening each bolt as they put them in and had leaks. And stripping the threads.

”new manifold needs to surfaced on glass.”.
this is done with emery cloth to get flat face where the o-rings mount to prevent leak. I ported to the metal. Later got a Nemesis manifold.

[Aussie John]

The O rings seal not the manifold surface

[roadiemort]

Curt Switzer ported this one.