The v4s def have an effect on pilot size but porting played s roll to most of my ported cylinders on stock carbs take at least s 30 due to my lack of stock jet sized I usually drill them to tune
As stated straight cuts no issue but side load can cause failure . I have put together a few without straight cuts and no issues 3 yrs later depends on rider , hp, abuse
I just did a lil SS long rod ported motor with t5's and v4's wanted 32.5 pilots at 1/2 turn out IMO could have taken 35s too my suprise no boost ports either usually boost ported motors will require a larger pilot
Would like forged 7 mil , or billet I called crank works they wanted 800 for wheels, tdr says he won't sell em , I have a wsm account I might just buy a 7 mil and break it down and swap parts
It's like 400 to resleeve , 350 is to nyk to me spend the lil extra and sleeve it or buy virgin for less than 2 . Some people get attached to there shit
Air leak / hole in piston. Compression test it , leak test it with proper tools not carb cleaner. Establish a mechanically sound motor then deal with the fouling plug