Carburetor Upgrade
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Carburetor Upgrade
Hello,
I am looking for a consensus on what is the better carb upgrade for a 1988 Softail. I have found the S&S kit, the Mikuni kit, a Thunderjet kit and then there is the option of a standard CV carb from a later model.
All comments appreciated. Thanks...W
I am looking for a consensus on what is the better carb upgrade for a 1988 Softail. I have found the S&S kit, the Mikuni kit, a Thunderjet kit and then there is the option of a standard CV carb from a later model.
All comments appreciated. Thanks...W
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
I have an S&S on my bike. While I like the S&S, I think the CV's give better mileage, from what I've read on here. A Mikuni is also a very good carb, and people have been putting Mikunis on HDs for a long time, back to Shovelhead days.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 97
Likes: 7
From: Edmonton
I ran a mikuni for many years on my 85. Just switched to an S&S. Both are excellent carbs. I don't have experience with the CV but they are also supposed to be good.
I like the S&S because it is very easy to set up (whernever you change something) and replacement parts are easy to find.
I am running an 80" with an ev35 cam.
I like the S&S because it is very easy to set up (whernever you change something) and replacement parts are easy to find.
I am running an 80" with an ev35 cam.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Looks like "F"in' translated Chinese. Sorta like directions in a dammt product ya git from them. WTF it has to do with carbs, is way the H*LL beyond me. Looks like a bowl of gobbelty-goop, to me!!!
OP, I remember something I learned decades ago (NOT that it is perfect, JUS' remember it) Walk thru the staging area of the drag strip, SEE what they are running, then go with that.
When I looked, they were running S&S.
The 'new' E's and G's are way tuneable. And I have run a ton of B's over the years.
I have an adjustable main jet Bendix/Zenith on the pan. LOVE it. ONLY complaint IS NOT the carb, BUT the "F"in' cheap azzed rebuild kits you get from China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Zimbabwae, or where ever the H*LL they come from.
CV's are GREAT carbs, too.
IMFUO, if you are used to it, know it, and can tune it, RUN IT. Makes NO SENSE to put an "E" on a scoot, if what you know and understand are CVs, or vice versa.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
The CV carburetor is a good dependable carburetor. I don't like the cheap enrichner **** that is make of plastic. They get loose and can break overtime. Lots of plastic parts on the this carburetor as well. They are good though and work very well for a long time.
The S&S carburetor is my personal favorite. Once it is properly tuned, you are basically set.
The S&S carburetor is my personal favorite. Once it is properly tuned, you are basically set.