Author Topic: Help picking out OEM air box for '74 CB550K (Read 1528 times)

uncle_fester · « **on:** May 09, 2019, 10:56:34 am »

My bike came with pods. I messed around with various jets, but it's still not perfect. I'm looking to install and OEM air box and be done with it.

Looking around on eBay, some of the air boxes that say they work for a '74 look completely different. I don't know which one is correct.

I assume this is a good option. Does this look right for a '74 CB550?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/71-76-Honda-CB-500-550-Air-Box-with-K-N-Filter-CB500-CB550-F-K-1974-1975/333179220228?epid=1273940064&hash=item4d93077104:g:9qMAAOSwx5JcykfI

What else would I need to purchase other than the air box? I am planning on getting new boots and a new filter. Anything else?

uncle_fester · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2019, 11:05:34 am »

This one is markedly different. Are they different parts? Confused....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-1976-Honda-CB550K-Air-filter-cartrige-chamber-air-box-76-housing-intake/283469611282?hash=item42001b0112:g:WG0AAOSwoB5cybjW

Scott S · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2019, 12:01:29 pm »

The first one is the plenum section with a K&N filter adapter where the stock filter housing goes. I've had one before and it worked great. That filter can be cleaned and re-oiled.
The second one is just the housing for the stock filter. It attaches where the K&N is attached on the first one.
If I were you, I'd get the first one.

uncle_fester · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2019, 12:47:55 pm »

Quote from: Scott S on May 09, 2019, 12:01:29 pm

The first one is the plenum section with a K&N filter adapter where the stock filter housing goes. I've had one before and it worked great. That filter can be cleaned and re-oiled.
The second one is just the housing for the stock filter. It attaches where the K&N is attached on the first one.
If I were you, I'd get the first one.

Thank you, Scott.

Scott S · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2019, 02:11:19 pm »

New rubber boots are available to replace the split one. Do a search here. Can't remember the name of the guy who makes them.

Scott S · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2019, 02:50:58 pm »

Email Paul Gabor for air box boots.

mybluebike2004@yahoo.com

uncle_fester · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2019, 08:55:16 am »

Quote from: Scott S on May 09, 2019, 02:50:58 pm

Email Paul Gabor for air box boots.

mybluebike2004@yahoo.com

I wish I would've found this before. I order some on 4into1 that shipped already. Expensive things. Hopefully, the quality is okay.

Kelly E · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2019, 06:43:14 pm »

Quote from: uncle_fester on May 09, 2019, 11:05:34 am

This one is markedly different. Are they different parts? Confused....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-1976-Honda-CB550K-Air-filter-cartrige-chamber-air-box-76-housing-intake/283469611282?hash=item42001b0112:g:WG0AAOSwoB5cybjW

I found and ordered one of those plenums with the K&N fliter also. It seems like a good solution without tuning issues and should make carb installation a bit easier.

Scott S · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2019, 02:55:57 am »

I would be cool if one of you could get with a member who has fab skills or 3D printing ability and let them scan/take some measurements of that filter holder. They're NLA from K&N and only occasionally pop up on eBay.
It would be great if someone could have that on file and be able to print out new copies on a 3D printer.

Kelly E · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2019, 08:24:49 am »

Quote from: Scott S on May 11, 2019, 02:55:57 am

I would be cool if one of you could get with a member who has fab skills or 3D printing ability and let them scan/take some measurements of that filter holder. They're NLA from K&N and only occasionally pop up on eBay.
It would be great if someone could have that on file and be able to print out new copies on a 3D printer.

I don't have any problem letting somebody use mine for a scan. My bike is completely disassembled at the moment so I don't need the plenum immediately but I plan on riding it this summer. It should be here next week.

flatlander · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2019, 04:00:22 am »

i have this K&N R-0830 which has never been installed.
if needed i can take some measurements of the holder before it goes in.

Gurp · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2019, 02:56:51 pm »

If we get a 3D printing setup going i would def be interested in one! I have a plenum of a 74cb550 on the shelf.

Scott S · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2019, 07:42:36 am »

I actually have this saved on my phone but I can't remember who did it.

flatlander · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2019, 01:42:10 pm »

the bottom one looks like the original k&n bracket.
the other pics seem like a valid repro, without the port for the breather tube which i find a bit of a cheap trick, anyway.

Scott S · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2019, 03:16:04 am »

Yes, the bottom is the K&N version.

It would be nice to have the breather tube inlet.

flatlander · « **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2019, 11:11:56 pm »

it's nice but if you attach the tube directly it will be puking breather gunk onto the valves. i'm not sure i like the idea of that. maybe routing it through a filter, like the original does, would help?

Shtonecb500 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 15, 2019, 09:31:42 am »

https://www.shapeways.com/product/N495XB3HL/honda-cb550-cone-filter-adapter

CBGhia · « **Reply #17 on:** May 15, 2019, 10:37:12 am »

If you know someone with a 3d printer, there is a free file for this.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2723368

Gurp · « **Reply #18 on:** May 15, 2019, 11:13:17 am »

Im sure someone with a 3d printer could make a run of there cheaper than 60 a pop and still profit from it.

CBGhia · « **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2019, 06:55:29 am »

I might print up one or 2 with some bronze filament to see how it comes out. I already have one of the OG K&Ns so I don't really need it.

Gurp · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2019, 03:38:52 am »

Quote from: CBGhia on May 16, 2019, 06:55:29 am

I might print up one or 2 with some bronze filament to see how it comes out. I already have one of the OG K&Ns so I don't really need it.

When you do let me know!

CBGhia · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2019, 05:24:31 am »

Just finished my first one. Looks pretty good and sturdy. I don't have my filter at the house to test fit it.
The filter opening is 2.5" so should be easy to find a fitting filter.

Kelly E · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:57:00 am »

Quote from: CBGhia on May 25, 2019, 05:24:31 am

Just finished my first one. Looks pretty good and sturdy. I don't have my filter at the house to test fit it.
The filter opening is 2.5" so should be easy to find a fitting filter.

That looks pretty good. The one I ordered is lost somewhere in shipping hell. Now they say it will be here on the 30th, not bad only a month from order to delivery from NY.

wolf550 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2019, 10:27:44 am »

that piece looks awesome
the quotes ive been getting out here in cali to make it are around the same as the shapeways price

CBGhia · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2019, 03:45:48 pm »

I might see about modifying it some. There are some differences. First, the inlet for the filter is larger than the original. 2 1/4 vs 2 1/2.
Also, the top bolt needs a spacer or I need to make it longer.

Now, the original filter isn't available anymore. Most new filters will be round. The original is oval, and it really needs to be if you want it to fit in the stock location, without moving the battery or electronics.
Basically, it needs to be no wider than the stock air box. Might be hard to find with a 2.5" opening

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Author Topic: Help picking out OEM air box for '74 CB550K (Read 1528 times)