Lever won't make it easier, as much as a new cable that's lubed . I've ran stock levers on a great cable and it's better than a great lever on a cable that's not new and lubed well.
Less actually.I should clarify. I'm speaking strictly about commonly available Banshee pistons. Not cast vs forged pistons across the board. The alloys in the piston effects the expansion more than anything.
As its been said:
1. Buy or download Clymer manual.
2. Buy/build leak down tester.
3. Leak test ( instructions on this site).
4. If it's leak free, use Clymer to completely disassemble and clean carbs.
5. Report back with findings .