ok that post is a mess.. for simplicity, just tell us exactly what youre running now. jetting specs, carbs, pipes, reeds, air filter, porting, temp and altitude.
also wanna know what fuel/oil mixture.
i would maybe double check with another tester before you tear into it. if they are truly off that much, then you need to figure out why. how old is the topend?
i used a couple long springs.. from a dirtbike i think.
dude, dont let the plug and petcock thing get you down. those pipes are good pipes. youll be happy with them.
dale, give it a shot man. i would never go back to explorer. the firefox just seems to work so much better. you can also set it up just how you like it. im not sure if the newer explorers have the kinda options firefox has or not. i havent used explorer in 5 years prolly.