Carb shootout

Energy One

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Wow, that was some good reading. And his conclusion wasn't any different than the information you would find on here.
 

john sachs

Well-Known Member
S&S heads, with 1.940" intake valves stock flow in the high 150's CFM to 160 CFM @ 10". Not earth shattering by any stretch.
I know Bruce Woltz fairly well, and he is pretty much on in terms of his flow #s. It's possible the modified G was 1 of mine.
John
 

mleach72

Well-Known Member
What I found interesting is how much the manifold bunches up the carburetors. The lowest is the super g at 174.7 and highest is the super d at 191. 16.3 cfm is not a lot in the grand scheme of things. It's even less if you toss out the super d, which isn't really considered a street carb. With this in mind, it stands to reason that the carb with the smallest venturi would produce the most low-mid range torque and best throttle response. That would be the super g. The g is a very good carb, but the butterfly does create manifold turbulence which can lead to some tuning issues occasionally. Next in line is the 45 mikuni. Granted, I have a bias towards the 45 because it's what I have on my pitbull, but this seems to confirm everything that I have been told by the experts. The 45 can move enough air to feed a big inch engine, yet it is small enough to produce big bottom end power and FI-like throttle response.
 

john sachs

Well-Known Member
The manifold is the restriction. S&S originally had a sand cast intake manifold that was really bad. They finally came out with an investment casting, which is a huge improvement. Most Big Dogs have the good one.
 

mleach72

Well-Known Member
The manifold is the restriction. S&S originally had a sand cast intake manifold that was really bad. They finally came out with an investment casting, which is a huge improvement. Most Big Dogs have the good one.
John, I have my 45 mounted to a SE 44mm manifold. Do you think that is a good combo, or do you think I should change to an S&S manifold? I realize a manifold change isn't going to make much difference, but I know it's the right combination of parts, gaining 1 hp here and there that makes an efficient engine.
 

john sachs

Well-Known Member
John, I have my 45 mounted to a SE 44mm manifold. Do you think that is a good combo, or do you think I should change to an S&S manifold? I realize a manifold change isn't going to make much difference, but I know it's the right combination of parts, gaining 1 hp here and there that makes an efficient engine.
The SE combo 42-45 intake manifold is IMO every bit as good as the S&S. Wouldn't pay to change. Just be sure it fits properly on the taller S&S engine.
 

mleach72

Well-Known Member
The SE combo 42-45 intake manifold is IMO every bit as good as the S&S. Wouldn't pay to change. Just be sure it fits properly on the taller S&S engine.
Yep, it seems to fit perfectly as far as I can tell. I was told it was the manifold for the SE 44mm cv carb and made for the taller engines. Thanks!
 
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