I was trying some different things and removed the air box lid. For some reason it ran worse. The engine had a bogged sound and lacked response. I'm running a PT midrange pipe and Fatboy silencer. The carb is a 34mm mikuni and I have race/pump mix at 32-1.

Is that bogging a jetting issue? Or something else?

What is a good jetting combination to start with to dial it in without AirBox lid?

Ok. Anything with the jet?

One thing that worries me about changing the needle clip on my LT500 is the fact that they do not make the top gasket any longer (At least the OEM shows not shipping) so it would worry me to mess around with the clip on my 500 anyway.

You can make your own if it gets that desperate or you can salvage one off a clapped out carb.

OK

Finally looked into what the current carb setup is.  I need a starting point to go with when running with the Airbox lid removed. 

As it sits right now.. its an 87 250, boyesen reed valves in stock cage.  It has a Paul Turner Midrange Pipe with PT Silencer.  I run 800 - 2100 elevation.  32-1 mix with race gas. 

The Mikuni TM34 Flat Slide:
210 main jet
stock needle with clip second from top
30 pilot jet
3.3 needle valve
Q-8 Needle Jet

  *I did notice that the PO put a nut in the top of the carb between the spring and top of slide.  I am assuming he did that to stiffen the stock spring up.  Is this common or is there a better way?

Im just looking to let it breath a little more with the air box lid removed.  Could you give me a good starting point for the jets, needle, etc and I can go from there.

Thanks