Efi carb convo
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
I have done the same conversion on a 1998 Ultra Classic and it is worth while. I used the Ultima 53-644 ign and a an s&s super e. The hardest part is drilling the fuel lines out of the tank. I would suggest using a later model tank without the steel lines if you can.
I ended up going to a 9/16 drill bit from underneath, you have to be real careful not to booger up the threads, as you will need them for the pingel kit.
Let me know if you have any questions. I struggled with it at first (mostly the timing) but got it down now.
I ended up going to a 9/16 drill bit from underneath, you have to be real careful not to booger up the threads, as you will need them for the pingel kit.
Let me know if you have any questions. I struggled with it at first (mostly the timing) but got it down now.
Prices for carbed Anniversary tanks are price prohibitive for me or I would have certainly taken that route. To drill out the hole for the petcock, I used a cheap uni-bit from Harbor Freight that I ground the outside down to where only the 5/8" was left. Made it a bunch easier to control than a twist drill. The toughest part and most time consuming of the whole conversion was reaching inside the tank to cut the boss down so I would have a functioning reserve. It has @.8 gal on reserve and will drain all but about 1/4 cup now.
I really liked the EFI until it dropped a cylinder and no amount of money or knowledge available to me could fix it. The main reason I chose the S&S was because that's what I have on the FXR that has been flawless, plus extra tuning parts and only have to keep one air filter on hand.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 1,753
From: In The Woods, PA
On my '98 Ultra I used the same components as you and as luck would have it, the coil lasted exactly 33 miles. Replaced the coil with a Crane and still came out ahead on the cost of other setups. I had zero issues with static timing per the instructions but never put a light on it. My only issue has been getting the cruise control to work, but I'm pretty sure I know how to fix that the next time I feel like raising the tank to get at a couple of wires. Performance and fuel mileage is equal with a little better throttle response than the MM.
Prices for carbed Anniversary tanks are price prohibitive for me or I would have certainly taken that route. To drill out the hole for the petcock, I used a cheap uni-bit from Harbor Freight that I ground the outside down to where only the 5/8" was left. Made it a bunch easier to control than a twist drill. The toughest part and most time consuming of the whole conversion was reaching inside the tank to cut the boss down so I would have a functioning reserve. It has @.8 gal on reserve and will drain all but about 1/4 cup now.
I really liked the EFI until it dropped a cylinder and no amount of money or knowledge available to me could fix it. The main reason I chose the S&S was because that's what I have on the FXR that has been flawless, plus extra tuning parts and only have to keep one air filter on hand.
Prices for carbed Anniversary tanks are price prohibitive for me or I would have certainly taken that route. To drill out the hole for the petcock, I used a cheap uni-bit from Harbor Freight that I ground the outside down to where only the 5/8" was left. Made it a bunch easier to control than a twist drill. The toughest part and most time consuming of the whole conversion was reaching inside the tank to cut the boss down so I would have a functioning reserve. It has @.8 gal on reserve and will drain all but about 1/4 cup now.
I really liked the EFI until it dropped a cylinder and no amount of money or knowledge available to me could fix it. The main reason I chose the S&S was because that's what I have on the FXR that has been flawless, plus extra tuning parts and only have to keep one air filter on hand.
The reason that I did the conversion is that my ECM died. I tossed the coil that came with the Ultima and put in a Dynatek dc6, bike ran like a champ, There was no way I was getting my hand to fit in the top of the tank, especially with a cutting tool! My bike was mystic green and black, didn't want to buy a tank and paint it. The 9/16 bit and a bit of "wiggle" i got the stubs down to about 1/2 inch or so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,095
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
Don't know if I would use the same tanks. My brother in-law just picked up a 6 gl set for $179.00, needs paint. Good choice of carb as well. The best thing about the conversion is that the 98 EFI cam is a little more aggressive than the N grind carbed cam. You Should be fine. I would also upgrade to the D2ki ignition and coil.. For the stock application in the E carb a good starting point would be intermediate .0295 and main .068 , Good luck man.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 11
From: PA
I did my 97 RK last year along with a cam upgrade. Glad I did it and bike runs well.
I drilled the lines from the outside and used a sleeve to protect the threads for the petcock and block off plug.
Used a Daytona twin tech ignition and Mikuni 42 carb.
Dig in and have fun. Enjoy the ride when complete.
I drilled the lines from the outside and used a sleeve to protect the threads for the petcock and block off plug.
Used a Daytona twin tech ignition and Mikuni 42 carb.
Dig in and have fun. Enjoy the ride when complete.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,080
Likes: 2,154
From: Ohio
Make the change and don't look back, the M&M is fixable but a carb will out perform it all day long on a Evo
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,095
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
Right... I really need to hear this one....
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 3,554
From: Texas
I had the surging problem, followed the instructions in this video and have not had a problem since. I also added the Power Commander 5, the Power Commander Auto Tuner, and the Display with data logger. Now I can change exhaust/other mods, and not have to worry about the air\fuel ratio.