For those of you familiar with the S&S teardrop which is widely used because of the performance factor and simple good looks, there is a reason for the performance increase and it has to do with air flow. The S&S teardrop has a tapered cone on the inside which directs the air flow into the throat of the carb. Enough so that you feel an instant increase in acceleration. It is unmistakable the newfound power you gain. Owners will attest to what I'm saying.

Well, going the 'Sleeper' route, I wonder if there is a HD accessory air cleaner or insert that provides this same 'cone' ? or an accessory that can be used from an outside source? While the S&S air cleaner is a worthwhile addition, I was thinking like I say, in terms of 'stealth' or, stock appearance yet modified for performance. Anybody know if such a 'stockish' part exists? Old timers?

 

I curently use a s&s dually onmy sporty and love it. Looks killer and I'm no expert or mechanic nor can I give you dyno numbers, but it flys.

 

Umm, I have the S&S setup on my bike but I'm not sure that that spike inside the cover adds a huge amount. I'd say its more to do with the size of the air filter, the clearance around it and the raised venturi at the throttle body.

If I was to guess I'd say the spike does, as you say, help to direct the air and maybe it creates something like the Boyesen X Wing effect. So it might be worth looking into those type of gizmos. Having said that, they really don't ever show much, if anything, on the dyno.

 

It could be that lower performance motors do not feel the effect as much. I did it to a 98 Buell, ans with each mod I did, I could feel the increases.