Jim-

I'll let you know what I end up doing and how it works. I really only need about another 1/2 to 3/4 inch. As I recall, my friend was having problems at the cylinder end of the header pipe, but it was basically the same problem. I've heard others have had the same problem. As a result, I'm not a big fan of the OS four strokes. I've never had any problems with my Saitos or even with my one Magnum clone of the OS.