A slide hammer with a puller end on it worked good. I used a pilot bearing puller/slide hammer. Popped right out. I tried everything else. It ended up unusable....but who cares. You'll most likely end up with a pipe later. It will help HP slightly. The air box mods/better filter will help way more.

 

The pro design intake is a wise choice for engine longevity. You need too leave the lid on because the stock exhaust with baffle removed will not move enough qir too warrant taking the lid off. Snip the restrictions from the snorkle and use the existing 145 jet in the right side by putting it in the left carb. Now, all you will need is a 150 main jet for the right side. With just the snorkle removed, if I went over 145/150 on the mains, I would get a rich condition and the machine did'nt rev as clean. Good luck.