You hit it dead on with the throttle, plus this thing is geared 15-40, so that doesnt help takeoff either. Elevation is around 400-500 ft. Im in north Alabama. I have no idea on my pilots, but I do have another set of carbs with 280's in them off of a parts bike I bought for $400. The motor from that bike is better than the one I have now (pistons, reeds, etc.). I bought it for with the juggs off and and found the kickstart spring against the clutch. Guess they thought the bottom end was gone. Anyway I bet the Pilots are bigger in those carbs too. I will pull them out before I swap them and see what they are and clean the carbs real good. I think i am going to run the airbox off the other bike. It has a lid on it with holes and a Twin air foam filter. I dont think i have enough mods for no airlid. Thanks alot, you are the only one that answered my questions dead on so far!!!