BigT

The clutch hub itself is a weak point. I think kits are available from APE still

The capacity is on the front left of the motor, in a rectangle That's a 77-79 motor

Two things I can think of: Somewhere late in 78, Suzuki added a bolt at the front of the head to mitigate leaks. If you have that combo, start there. (my 89k mile motor, with a 1085 kit, doesn't have one) According to a race engine builder, setting the cam timing accurately is the best cheap horsepower

Your 79 came with points and condensers, so you have an aftermarket or backdated ignition. dyna S does not need the ignitor (not a CDI)

What he is saying is that if you've never worked on carbs, starting with the BS series carbs is a mistake. yes, it can be done, but it's not for a beginner so, getting the stock airbox, as above, is your easier solution air pods add nothing to a stock bike

Very nice hard to tell from the pics, are the pipes blue from running lean?

The website has downloadable factory service manuals, where you can find the camchain length spec

The first step is to confirm that the tensioner is functioning. Check the set screw by loosening the nut, turn the set screw in, count the turns, loosen it up the same amount, tighten the nut again. it should be 1-2 turns out. start the motor, look at the big nut as you rev the motor, it should move there is a spec for cam chain length, go here and get a factory manual gsarchive.bwringer.com

There's also a guide blade in the front You might be having cam end float instead of cam chain noise My tensioner is going on 88,000 miles without an issue

If the cam chain isn't rusty, you can measure the spec. 30,000 miles should be no wear on your laptop, go to Gsarchive.bwringer.com and get a factory manual and other helpful info

Which GS 1000 head is that? it looks like you're trying to fit a plenum for a slide carb head on a CV carb head

That is incorrect. The set screw needs to be loose, so the tensioner arm can move and press on the cam chain slipper. It sounds like the camchain tensioner needs to be serviced, which is quite easy. Go here, and look around for the tutorial on the tensioner. GSarchive.bwringer.com

GS 1000s don't have VINs, they have serial numbers Pogster, post up a picture or two for better identification

Zman, That is correct. Replace that part and keep on building Here's a tutorial for the VM carbs gsarchive.bwringer.com

Is this a new bike to you? Or, was it running fine before?