boilerman,
To start, my air channels started falling apart before they offered the removable kit. I did contemplate getting the kit last year or the year before but in thinking about it I felt that it would be more of a process to clean the firebox. Getting those pieces out would require a complete shutdown and cleanout of coals and creosote. My pipe system is removable even when there is a bed of coals. Also, last year I had to have the sidewalls relined with 1/4" plate. I had the welder take the new sidewalls right down to the bottom, over where the old channels were giving me a nice straight sidewall. Remember I had the oldest version of the 2300 which originally had a lip on top of the air channel where a double stack of firebrick sat. All of the secondary air pieces have been upgraded. I have the new fusion combustor and got rid of the grate bars and floor refractory which were a pain.
5050racing,
I tried posting my pics last night but it kept saying upload folder full, even with just one small picture. Tried several times. I'll try again now.
The hardest part of the job is getting the old channel out. Piecing the pipes together is easy. Just take the time to get them as tight as possible. The channel basically supports itself when in place. If necessary one could prop up the front ends with a piece of steel or brick if necessary. Drilling the holes takes an hour or so, or at least it did for me. I expect I'll get 2 seasons out of it. Then I'll make another. Cost is around $90 for pipe fittings.
I just tried posting this with pics and was denied again. sorry. I'd be happy to e-mail them. PM me.
Jeff