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I have a Rude 225 looper. I am assuming that you are talking about the small housing between the lower unit and the midsection. In another posting it was recommended to remove it and then port the exhaust by drilling the back of the midsection. It sounds like a good idea, but I have questions. I have, in the past ported the exhaust on the lower unit beneath the sock. If I remove the sock will it cause any damage from heat to the water pump or lower unit seals? If not, will it effect exhaust tuning? Lastly, what are the advantages/disadvantages in terms of increased performance?