Topic: 500/550 airbox compatibility?

[kerryb]

Hi, I did some searching and part numbers don’t match, but the photos look identical for an air box from a 77 cb550k to fit into a 71 cb500.  Even the goofy hardware is the same.  Can anyone confirm or deny it will fit close enough to run well?

[bryanj]

No they wont swop, the 500 does not have the oil mist recirc bits below the filter and the K3 has different carbs so the rubber inlets are different

[kerryb]

Thank you, that’s unfortunate.

[bryanj]

BUT all the 500 and the 550K up to and including K2 will fit even with the oil mist seperator which you can just leave out and fit the 500 element with breathers disconnected.
Plus you can get aftermarket carb to airbox rubbers.

Sorry didnt give that info before but had limited connection as on vacation

[kerryb]

Thank you again, that widens the search quite a bit.

[Gurp]

I've got a box of air box stuff in the garage. I'll try to remember to shoot you some pictures soon

Sent from my LE2127 using Tapatalk

[kerryb]

Ok, but put a ruler across the carb side of the distribution box to see carb spacing.   Maybe we can trade, what are you looking for?

[Little_Phil]

You want to take the bits off the 77/78 K3 in the pic and use them on the 500? I think the box for the filter will be ok. You don't need the oil mist collection bits in the bottom and can be discarded as the 500 vented to air. The forward box is also probably ok as I think the difference in spacing of the carbs is taken care of by the rubbers connecting this to the carbs. But you will need a new air filter and the 8 new rubber connectors that go both ends of the carbs.