Ordering some Items and need advice...

I'm about to order some new itmes for my 79 xs400 and I could use some advice.

Bars:
I'm between supermoto bars and tracker bars... Getting them from dimecity. I think they are the same width but the trackers are taller. I like the look of the supermoto but the leverage of the tracker Would I need to get new cables for the tracker bars??? I would think not since the stock ones are pretty tall, but some reassurance would help prior to ordering lol.

Filter Pods:
Does anyone know the exact size I need? Im planing on going with the pods straight on the carbs... which would eliminate the stock connecting tubes(which also run to the case breather). I can do that right? I would also need the small breather filter for the case, but I think I already have one(unless I can get a cheap one).

Jetting:
Kinda confused on the sizing here and the difference between the mains and the pilots. I read a couple threads and I hear the SOHC with pods and pipes(my mufflers are not stock, but not sure what they are; commando style?) do very well with a #145? I'm pretty lost on this part to be honest.

I'm okay waiting on the jets for now, but wouldn't putting the pods on lean it out too much??

Also ordering an inline fuel filter and already ordered new starter button

Open to suggestions too. End goal of the bike is to be as light as possible with added power and still able to go two up. Perfect lil weekend fun bike

re: bars, i doubt you'll need longer cables with either of those bars. order your new bars, mount them, and if you need longer cables then order them. (put your stock bars back on until longer cables arrive.)

re: pods, you need the size that fits your carbs. best selection on mikesxs.net. it should quickly be obvious what two or three options you have. if you have fitment questions contact mikesxs.

re: jets, you're correct. jumping from stock pipes and a/c to hi-flow components without upping jets will result in your bike being hard to start and running like shit. spring for new jets of various sizes so you can dial your carbs in right. they're cheap. you say your pipes aren't stock so i suppose it's possible a PO already installed larger jets. why not break them down and have a look?

keep doing what you're doing, bro. keep working toward the "end goal" of your bike, (although a bike is only finished when you get rid of it).

I agree with Ironhead re: Jets. Don't wait to do them, it is a certainty that you will be running lean with the mods you have planned. Starting at 145 sounds reasonable to me. I'd suggest trying them and increasing in increments of 5 until you are running too rich, then drop back 2.5. If in doubt, run richer rather than leaner. Carbon is easier to remove than melted pistons...

Once you have the main jets sorted, you can experiment with the needle heights and possibly the needle jets if you can't get the mid-range dialed in. Then the pilot jets to get the idle mixture within the range of the pilot screw adjustment. If you can't get an overly rich idle by adjusting the pilot screws, the jets are too small.

Aren't carbs fun???

Dave

Thanks guys! A couple more quick questions.

What is the stock thickness of the fuel line on a 79xs400? Im about to order the bars and fuel filter at work, so I cant check...

So the 145 size is on the main jets right? If I open up the carbs to check the jets and clean, would I need a rebuild kit? Do gaskets and such need to be replaced every time I open them??? Seems unlikely but that would suck lol

If they have not been opened in a long time I would get them just to be sure

So before doing the pods and carbs, i should be able to get it tuned with the stock intake and more flowing mufflers right?

Would stock filters and more exhaust flow be making it run more rich or lean? I get some pop on deceleration... but it was also told there was black some... so not really sure at this point.

I bought it off an old lady whose husband bought it for her to ride. Original owners! I'm just kinda doubting they ever opened the carbs...

When I get the jets and pods I'll do a full clean and service. But I'd like to do some riding with it before then too. What should I be adjusting to get it right without removing the carbs before the build.

More air flow without more fuel = lean. Popping could also be an exhaust leak, but it is probably a lean idle mixture. You might be able to get the idle adjusted richer to compensate for the mufflers. You will also want to sync the carbs.

But plan on getting the carbs jetted properly sooner rather than later.

Dave