They do come close to that 8 HP gain actually. They are beveled at the piston crown in certain areas near the cylinder ports so that they simulate port work. They aren't for every one but for the average bolt on bike needing a rebuild they can add some oomph if you're not so serious about doing a port job and all the associated work.
Could be that the Bike was ran with out coolant.....
Or, the bearing went bad and the thing death wobbled till it was mush.
But to me... That is a product of lack of maintainence. Coolant, especially cheap coolant, has a tendency to become acidic and if not changed or flushed. Thin aluminum like our Billit waterpump don't stand a chance.
If I were in the middle east or out west riding in those temps, I'd fab up a smaller radiator like the desert fellas used to run back when Baja was ruled by banshees
There have been a few different folks who've had their hands in making new power valves. Can't remember who off the top of my head though. I don't think it was ever a major production either.
The point..., is to begin modifying the bike with quality mods that will compliment each other for the best performance. Good reeds now will make a little difference, then once you start with pipes, carbs, porting, it will really show.
OMG! This got personal quick! There was a period there where ZF was obnoxious as fuck a while back. Then he kinda went away for a bit and lately has been pretty chill. I have to admit he's been a much cooler fella lately.
I've even had baskets still be a bit loose after proper assembly. So I just put some 600 grit on glass or granite bench and figure 8 it till there is a few thousandths knocked off. It usually does the trick.
If its an aftermarket head pull the plugs to verify that there isn't coolant in the cylinder also. If there isn't, you simply need new copper washers.
Stock head? Swap the gasket.
VStar, my last comment wasn't even for you. I garuntee you 100% that volfan was not upset one bit. He's a regular that can take and give a good joke.I also don't have a sister. Just a brother. And if you are having hardcore oral sex with him and a mega splooge drinking contest with him that's between you and him. Hope your little Eggroll was enough for him.
I'm not around the quad today, so no photos of it. I think if you go to Sudco's website. They have a diagram of the floats and an image of how to measure the height properly.
One other possibility, that brass tube in the float bowl. It could be bent forward to much and running fuel out but make sure To check the floats first.