Carb conversion questions?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Answers: Carb, Synth, EVO! No opinion on the T-shirts, though.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: The Great Southwest Desert
The biggest hassle in the conversion is the tank. The carb can be adapted easily unless it is a cruise control version. I found it easier to buy a carb tank and paint it to match my bike. ( then I can go back to EFI if I get stupid and want to. )
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I'm interested to know why you say that. Admittedly the EFI tank I have is an 09, but installing a Pingel tap was all that was required. I'm still working on a gas gauge solution, but that doesn't get in the way of conversion.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: The Great Southwest Desert
The lines inside the earlier tank are metal and brazed in. You had to cut and grind them out. Makes the job irreversible. ( or you could fabricate a new fitting at the bung location towards the front of the tank. )
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Pocatello
Bronco Billy....I performed this conversion on my '96 FLHTC (formerly "I"). I went with a S&S carb and intake, Crane Hi-4 ignition, and the Pingel fuel tank "kit" and petcock. You'll need the older ignition rotor, IIRC it's a -81 part.
PM me if you have any questions. I did the convert for the same reasons...M&M was starting to have issues and there was NOTHING aftermarket for the early ('95-'96) EFI systems.
PM me if you have any questions. I did the convert for the same reasons...M&M was starting to have issues and there was NOTHING aftermarket for the early ('95-'96) EFI systems.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Pocatello
Spanner....Carb, Dyno, Any that makes your bike SCREAM, Independent Shop T-shirt (FTMC), and EVO of course!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,669
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
I would think these could be some benefits to changing to carb:
1. Fuel pump failure - your SOL if this happens on a trip
2. Hi-pressure fuel line leak/failure - expensive to replace fuel lines, and who carries spares?
3. Fuel Injection Body failure - what to do if it fails on the road?
4. Easier tuning - no need to purchase a tuner
That's all I can think of right now. Any comments?
I have a 2001 RK; just not sure if I should trust the MM system. It works ok so far, however, I did have to replace the high-pressure fittings in the tank when I replaced my throttle cables.
1. Fuel pump failure - your SOL if this happens on a trip
2. Hi-pressure fuel line leak/failure - expensive to replace fuel lines, and who carries spares?
3. Fuel Injection Body failure - what to do if it fails on the road?
4. Easier tuning - no need to purchase a tuner
That's all I can think of right now. Any comments?
I have a 2001 RK; just not sure if I should trust the MM system. It works ok so far, however, I did have to replace the high-pressure fittings in the tank when I replaced my throttle cables.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 2,150
From: Ohio
I would think these could be some benefits to changing to carb:
1. Fuel pump failure - your SOL if this happens on a trip
2. Hi-pressure fuel line leak/failure - expensive to replace fuel lines, and who carries spares?
3. Fuel Injection Body failure - what to do if it fails on the road?
4. Easier tuning - no need to purchase a tuner
That's all I can think of right now. Any comments?
I have a 2001 RK; just not sure if I should trust the MM system. It works ok so far, however, I did have to replace the high-pressure fittings in the tank when I replaced my throttle cables.
1. Fuel pump failure - your SOL if this happens on a trip
2. Hi-pressure fuel line leak/failure - expensive to replace fuel lines, and who carries spares?
3. Fuel Injection Body failure - what to do if it fails on the road?
4. Easier tuning - no need to purchase a tuner
That's all I can think of right now. Any comments?
I have a 2001 RK; just not sure if I should trust the MM system. It works ok so far, however, I did have to replace the high-pressure fittings in the tank when I replaced my throttle cables.
Most owners remove the M&M when the maintainace starts overweighing it's worth with the simplicity of the controled drip carb is possible. When idles start changing, surging, shutting off and running like 99 cent paint, it becomes decision time to spend money to resurect the EFI or go to control drip, that is where you find if you are a gambler.