TOPIC:

Just picked up a 1979 Kz400 LTD and I'm slowly putting it all back together and getting it to run properly. Current issue is the idle will rev up. Throttle cable is fine but I know the carbs are out of sync. I just can't get it to idle without revving up long enough to fix this. I figured a good place to start is the un attached empty air box.

Pardon my potential newbie question here- but what and how do I shove a filter in this thing? I can't seem to find a way into the box and there's nothing in there. Just two empty rectangular holes in the back and some sort of line into it through the top (I think I saw someone call this a snorkel?)

Any info or starting place for this is appreciated. I couldn't find much on the forums or on kz400.com

Thanks in advance!

The actual model designation for the 1979 KZ400-LTD is KZ400-H1. KZ400-H1 is what you use to look up parts, manuals, etc.

Regarding the airbox, take a look at the airbox diagram at

www.kawasaki.com/Parts/PartsDiagram/142890/1979/KZ400-H1

Notice the parts marked 3 and 4 in the diagram. If you look at the parts list below the diagram you'll see those are part numbers 11011-1043 and 11013-1027. If your bike is missing them or any of the other airbox parts you will need to find them. Ebay might be a good starting point for the search.

For a full set of 1979 KZ400-H1 parts diagrams see www.kawasaki.com/Parts/PartsDiagrams/1979/KZ400-H1 . Ed

Thank you! Good info! The more I dug into the parts I'm missing the more I realized A LOT of people are missing them and they are pretty rare to find even on eBay.

I think I'm just going to save myself the whole pain and jump into the other pain of re-jetting for pod filters. I already have to do quite some carb work so might as well.

I appreciate your help!

You could also get a 2-into-1 intake manifold and use a single VM34. No more synching!

11thhourindustries.com/store/#!/Bolt-On-.../20924335/category=0

I like the options! Few questions on this- does that attach to the carbs instead of boots going to an Airbox? Also, does the get rid of the need to rejet, or is more of like turning 2 pods into one? (Again, newbie here sorry if I'm missing something rather obvious )

Whoops. I should have called it a 1-into-2. One carb connects to two cylinders.

The manifold bolts right up to the cylinder head ports (without the rubber boots). There should be a gasket and/or some sealant in there, though.

One carb = one air filter (pod), so no worries there. As for the jetting, I think the manifold manufacturer would be able to help. If your bike is otherwise stock, the jetting should be pretty straightforward.

Oh now I understand! That sounds like it would make my life easier. Any downside to this?

Depends on the carb, slide vs. constant velocity.
And you will have less power than stock.


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It makes sense on the surface that having a single VM34 might offer less power than stock, but I've never seen any numbers. How big of a loss are we talking about here?