I'm going to replace the old keihn carb set up this winter and was debating between the s&s super e or an edelbrock. Does anyone have any info or past experience with either or both. Any info would be appreciated. This is for the 82 sporty xlh, pretty much stock right now, but plan to do some engine work in the future, (cams, bore cylinders, ect)

 

Sorry can't help w/those choices - my only direct experience is with stock Keihin butterfly carbs. But have you considered a CV or a Mikuni VM 38? I often hear good things about these two.

 

Thanks Mick, I'll do some considering in that direction also

 

never had any luck with the ss,seams like you have to mess with them alot, but alot of guys do, the edelbrock is a pile of crap,had a couple ,and i have read alot on them never heard of one running right, for reliabilty cant beat a newer cv,mine came off of a 2000 1200 sporty,have to get a adaptor or a branch intake, runs perfect with r-5 cams, .040 over 10.5 comp, and a pile of head work, eats 1200 sporties no problem (till i run out of gear )lol

 

In MY opinion and experience about carbs I would say:
Mikuni HSR42, tuned engine
Mikuni VM38, good
Keihin CV is good option
S&S Super E shorty, works.. needs thunder jet kit
Edelbrock...no.
Keihin butterfly, original...

You need to buy a adapter between carb and manifold if you chose Mikuni or CV.

 

Thanks for your input, I'll have to look into your suggestions

 

No experience with one, but I've never heard a single good thing about Edelbrock.

 

Stuck a cv40 on my 81 sporty 1000. Ran outta nice weather to tune the bike. It came off of a 96 1200 sporty. So far from what i've seen, its an un-real difference from the stock bendix i had on there.. i mean, now...i can idle it down to where it'll almost stall but keeps on pluggin. (kinda like the old deere tractors..haha) These carbs are ALOT cheaper than the SS's. You can find a good carb for around 100 bucks usually, then the adapters cost 30 bucks. I ran into an issue with the air cleaner housing sticking out WAY to far on mine and ended up with peg extensions but oh well, it runs, looks good and did i mention runs better? lol Even though i didnt get to fully tune it yet, i'm VERY pleased with the overall results so far. Also, there's alotta write up info on the CV40 swap. I started one and never got to finish it yet (sorry guys, i DO got pictures though finally!!) Hope this helps with your decision!

 

same here. 1988 softail custom. i thought the original carb ran pretty good till i switched. you will notice a difference. same problem with the a/c though. still looking for some kind of peg extensions for comfort.

 

I'm still running the original Bendix. It is great. Tuned once...I'm good to go...no adjustments necessary. All my tuning is in the Mag (points) or keeping the connections on the mag cover clean and timing once in a while.

Just kicker and go...

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