1978 Ironhead with S&S carb

[dubepj]

Thinking of changing the carb (1978 XLH) to a CV from a SS.  What type manifold changes are required.  Thanks./

[Racepres]

I know some have used the 158 S&S manifold with the CV...Not me...it is simply too big and even the bolt holes are wrong...3/8 vs 5/16.
Besides, The 158 S&S manifold will fetch enough to probably pay for the CV Carb!!
Stock is the way to go, with a Press on CV adapter...Not that rubber hose crap....
If you don't give the CV a chance to work properly, you won't like it...
Course...What do I know...My I.H. wears a Bendix!!

[garyajaz]

I took off a S&S L series and put on a c.v. for ease of starting.
(accel pump, cold start enricher)


two days later put back on ol hard start.
felt like I lost 20 horse power.  would no longer do 3rd gear wheelies.
and big over lap cam maybe not sending signal to diaphragm?

what type S&S you have?
accel pump?
is the engine otherwise stock?

[Racepres]

3rd gear wheelies....I'll be lookin for you and yer "L" at the Harley Drags!!!

[garyajaz]

your about 40 years too late

[Racepres]

your about 40 years too late

Nah....Harley Only Drag racing is only 30 years old...as an Official Function, at Legal Facilities..That is.

[garyajaz]

LOL, no, I mean my racing days LONG over.
and I did not race only Harleys.
went up against all of them

[nibroc]

still runnin s&s GAL 1 7/8" on my 59 XLCH---hard to start and thinkin 'bout the 2 cv's on my evos---merry Christmas!!!

[garyajaz]

they do run don't they?
long ago when S&S came out with their two throat I wanted one.
I was on a first name basis with some folks there.
was building lots of iron strokers.  anyway I called.
buddy came on phone and asked me what wrong with my carb.
ah, nothing.  just thinking two throat might be good.
hell he said leave yours.
I insisted on giving him money.
he gave me a hella price.  it ran way worse but started and cruised well.
follow up call he said open up intake manifold to a plenum instead of two throats.
it helped.  called me a week later and asked I f I wanted to sell it back.
ah, yepper. put ol L back on and its been good.
(well , cept for starting it)

[Racepres]

they do run don't they?
long ago when S&S came out with their two throat I wanted one.
I was on a first name basis with some folks there.
was building lots of iron strokers.  anyway I called.
buddy came on phone and asked me what wrong with my carb.
ah, nothing.  just thinking two throat might be good.
hell he said leave yours.
I insisted on giving him money.
he gave me a hella price.  it ran way worse but started and cruised well.
follow up call he said open up intake manifold to a plenum instead of two throats.
it helped.  called me a week later and asked I f I wanted to sell it back.
ah, yepper. put ol L back on and its been good.
(well , cept for starting it)

Oddly, the Bendix is at least as good as any S&S, if the same time and care are used to set 'em up.
Racing situations as well...
Oh...One kick starts also...If you use the O.E. pumper

[garyajaz]

I have my ol bendix in shop, installed adjustable main jet.
all that.
it just ran out of hole.
lol
too small for my big motor.
S&S was/is worlds better  (for a big motor)

[Racepres]

I guess I did not bother to ask dubepj what size motor we're talking about...Just assumed it was basically stock!
and I don't feel any S&S of any description is the best all around choice for a basically stock Ironhead. I not only believe, but can Demonstrate, that a Bendix is a Very good choice indeed.

[ScottyMoore]

CV is good choice, i run one on my shovel, gives smooth ride.

[dr evo1]

carbs are like opinions every body has one that they like. none of them are bad. most of it is how to tune them. myself I like S&S super e. has a acc pump and is very adjustable. jet size and pump ajust are most important. most people don't think of exhaust. straight pipes for the street are not the best. for the strip great. some people think there problem is carb when it"s not. I have a stock 66 iron head with P cams and a 2 into 1 exhaust. I run a super E and it is a one kicker hot or cold. and I have a mag. I have won bets it will start on the first kick.  good luck on your carb pick.

[JW113]

Tuning is the key. CV with press on flange and stock manifold is a great set up for the street. Besides the built in weather/altitude compensation, they tend to get great gas mileage. Which, with only a 2 gallon tank, is real handy.

-JW