Looking for S&S E carb install tips
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Elyria
Looking for S&S E carb install tips
Hey All,
Im putting the 95 Softail under the wrench tomorrow. Installing an S&S E carb on the girl.
Anything I should look for, watch for?
Ill be running all stock, but the ThunderHeader exhaust.
Im a first timer with removing the manifold, and re install.
I picked up the E Carb from J&P
Im putting the 95 Softail under the wrench tomorrow. Installing an S&S E carb on the girl.
Anything I should look for, watch for?
Ill be running all stock, but the ThunderHeader exhaust.
Im a first timer with removing the manifold, and re install.
I picked up the E Carb from J&P
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
One thing I have a lot of experience with is tuning carbs. I do not intend this to sound snarky even though it might. But since you are asking for advice. In my opinion the stock Keihin carb is superior in every way to the S&S. Especially if you use Keihin jets and not a Dynojet or similar kit. You can get better fuel mileage, better throttle response, altitude adjustment and as much power with the stock carb. As far as install tips. Put some vasoline on the intake seals where they go into the flange and snug them down in an X pattern. If you dont have one of the special allen wrenches made for this purpose you might have to cut off an allen wrench to get to the intake bolts. Looking at the back of the intake on the left side make sure the gap ends up being the same on both sides between the intake flange and the head. If it is off you risk having an intake leak. It is hard to get them exact. The S&S carb will most likely be too rich out of the box and you will have to experiment with the jetting. If it is too rich your bike will not run as well as it could. Start with a 28-295 intermediate jet. a 70-72 main jet and 2 1/2 turns. When adjusting the throttle cables make sure the throttle blade is opening all the way but with no over travel. If I have forgotten something hopefully someone else will chime in.
Last edited by martin10; Jul 30, 2016 at 06:55 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Elyria
Thanks for all the tips Martin! I actually have been doing lots of reading, and your reply confirms everything Ive read as far as the installation.
Ive already pulled the trigger on the S&S, but I guess this is my way to compare. worse case I go back to the stock carb. I dont mind playing in the garage, but do want a smooth runner.
Ive already pulled the trigger on the S&S, but I guess this is my way to compare. worse case I go back to the stock carb. I dont mind playing in the garage, but do want a smooth runner.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
All I did was follow the S&S instructions (to the word) provided when I converted from MM EFI on my '98. Out of the box jetting was perfect with my true duals, otherwise stock motor. I did have to readjust my idle mixture after a few miles, I didn't have the bike warmed up enough when I did the initial adjustment.
Last edited by Lakerat; Jul 30, 2016 at 10:46 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,235
From: NC, USA
I have a Super E on my 02 Softail. It was already installed when I bought the bike 6 years ago and I haven't touched a thing on it since. It starts on the first crank whether hot or cold, I drop the choke in less than 5 seconds and it picks up a nice idle, rarely if ever stalls on the warm up. I guess the secret is getting it jetted/tuned correctly and the rest will fall in place. I've had a Super E on an FXR and an EVO Softail and have never had one issue with them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,235
From: NC, USA
All I did was follow the S&S instructions (to the word) provided when I converted from MM EFI on my '98. Out of the box jetting was perfect with my true duals, otherwise stock motor. I did have to readjust my idle mixture after a few miles, I didn't have the bike warmed up enough when I did the initial adjustment.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 17
From: Williamsport, Pa
One thing I have a lot of experience with is tuning carbs. I do not intend this to sound snarky even though it might. But since you are asking for advice. In my opinion the stock Keihin carb is superior in every way to the S&S. Especially if you use Keihin jets and not a Dynojet or similar kit. You can get better fuel mileage, better throttle response, altitude adjustment and as much power with the stock carb. As far as install tips. Put some vasoline on the intake seals where they go into the flange and snug them down in an X pattern. If you dont have one of the special allen wrenches made for this purpose you might have to cut off an allen wrench to get to the intake bolts. Looking at the back of the intake on the left side make sure the gap ends up being the same on both sides between the intake flange and the head. If it is off you risk having an intake leak. It is hard to get them exact. The S&S carb will most likely be too rich out of the box and you will have to experiment with the jetting. If it is too rich your bike will not run as well as it could. Start with a 28-295 intermediate jet. a 70-72 main jet and 2 1/2 turns. When adjusting the throttle cables make sure the throttle blade is opening all the way but with no over travel. If I have forgotten something hopefully someone else will chime in.
Last edited by hdpearson13; Jul 30, 2016 at 12:46 PM. Reason: For some reason I thought your bike was a tc95 but same still pertain except you have better heads for the job.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 17
From: Williamsport, Pa
If you have trouble with manifolds bolts and nuts just hit end of bolt with torch for a few and replace them. Been there. Many times and allittle heat won't hurt them just only get the face of the stud and not around the heads at all.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
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From: Cookson, Ok
Took a long time for me to get that bike the way it is and can't imagine starting over. The paint was done by a dear friend of mine....most likely his last project, so that is irreplaceable.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Elyria
thanks for all the input guys! Got the old carb off, and and looked at the flanges. I have about a .040 bow in both.
Should I replace them? hit them in a press at the shop?
Also saw the need for a shorty end 1/4 allen. just had to grind one down and was back at it.
Should I replace them? hit them in a press at the shop?
Also saw the need for a shorty end 1/4 allen. just had to grind one down and was back at it.