help with project 79' gs750 carbs/ intake

[switchback_bomber]

let me start out by saying I purchased this as a project, that had some good aftermarket parts and was partially disassemled from the start, so I do not have the luxury of trial & error/ incremental changes to after market, to know which part is an issue.

1st and easiest question; I understand the O-rings(carb and boot) should be replaced, but should the boots be replaced since they are fairly hard?

2nd; The stock airbox was pitched before I bought the bike, but a set up of K&N pods were included. I know people here recommend re-jetting for pods, or avoiding them all together, but is making the fuel richer going to be counterproductive for my location? The bike also came with a vance & Hines 4-1 exhaust that I imagine would factor into the equation, I am not positive if this is true, but if it is, would the fuel system become leaner or thinner?

I know it is a lot of variables to add up, but I don't need the bike running perfectly. with the 4-1 exhaust, thinner air, pods, and stock jets( also have dyna ignition if that changes anything), do you think I could get the fuel system working halfway decent with the valves adjusted? Also have new petcock

[allojohn]

Read this, it'll get you started.

[Big T]

New boots are always good and save you a lot of headaches.
As far as getting changes, have you checked to see what jets you currently have?