I do not want to start a discussion about pods or stock airbox.
Facts about my old CB750 K6 -76 on the photo direct out of the barn and 19 years coma. It looked like this since restore to 1984 except some small details.
836cc, ported head, hotter cam. OEM K6 carbs with pods. I had VM29 smoothbores 1984, back to OEM 1985 when VM29 had very bad carb boots, to0 flexible and prone to crack.
Jets: Pilot std 40, needles 1 step higher (clip lower), mains 147.5 (stock with air box 105) Carb synched by bench method.
I'm convinced that a tuned engine need more airflow than a std airbox with std filter can provide. If airbox help, the carbs must be jetted too lean
The engine on the photo ran very smooth and nice. Most as a tourer with 2 persons and bags down to the Mediterranean Sea 4 times, each holiday 5000-6000km during 3 weeks to Jugoslavia, Italy and Spain. Top speed 210km/h according to the speedometer and friends bikes keeping same speed. Up to 200 rather quick, the last 10 has to be squeezed even with 2 persons and lots of luggage, tent sleeping bags.... Gearing was 17/48. I have today back to std 18/48.
Only problem was 1 broken point(bakelite part against rotor, bad quality, propeller logo), intermittent contact problems with one of the coils, yellow or blue wire oxidized connection. Bad battery in Italy, no headlight under 4000rpm.